Macadamia nuts in green husk on the tree (photo courtesy of daleysfruit.com.au)
Macadamia '344'
Macadamia integrifolia
Proteaceae family
The Macadamia is an Australian native plant that is grown as a major commercial food crop, however it is listed as Vulnerable in the wild. It produces a delicious nut inside a hard shell and outer husk, that fall to the ground when ripe. Indigenous Australians were the first to include Macadamia nuts in their diet.
Flowers occur in long pendulous clusters in spring. Nuts ripen slowly on the tree, and may be ready from May to September. Nuts require a substantial nut-cracker or hammer to open.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
Macadamia integrifolia
Proteaceae family
The Macadamia is an Australian native plant that is grown as a major commercial food crop, however it is listed as Vulnerable in the wild. It produces a delicious nut inside a hard shell and outer husk, that fall to the ground when ripe. Indigenous Australians were the first to include Macadamia nuts in their diet.
Flowers occur in long pendulous clusters in spring. Nuts ripen slowly on the tree, and may be ready from May to September. Nuts require a substantial nut-cracker or hammer to open.
Tree Maintenance
Pruning
- Prune immediately after harvest; keep to between 2.5 to 3.5m.
- Spring (early): liquid seaweed, compost around drip line, sulphate of potash, poultry manure.
- Autumn: compost around drip line.
- Winter: rock mineral (crusher dust).
Macadamia '344' at LCG December 2024 (photo credit: Jacqui Lachmann)
