Queensland Nut, Macadamia nut

Macadamia tetraphylla

Physical Characteristics

Macadamia tetraphylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Distribution

Australia - New South Wales, Queensland.

Habitats

Woodland Garden Sunny Edge; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Oil Seed Edible Uses: Milk Oil Seed - raw or cooked[2 , 46 , 105 ]. Pleasantly flavoured and nutritious[1 , 61 ], the seed is a little sweeter than the related Macadamia integrifolia and contains a little less oil[301 ]. They can be eaten as a dessert nut and can also be ground into a flour and then mixed with cereal flours to enrich the protein content. The shell is very hard, making it difficult to extract the seed[260 ]. The seed is up to 30mm long and 24mm wide[286 ]. The seed contains up to 72% of a high grade oil[156 , 183 ]. This oil is seldom extracted due to the high value of the seed[63 ].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known