Macadamia integrifolia
Plant Number: 49
Common Name: Macadamia, Queensland Nut, Bush Nut, Bauple Nut
Scientific Name: Macadamia integrifolia
Derivation of name
Macadamia – Australian botanist Ferdinand von Mueller named the species after Dr John Macadam, a noted scientist
integrifolia – latin meaning of 'integer' is entire and 'folium' meaning leaf
Description
- Listed as vulnerable under the Queensland Conservation Act due to land clearing, weed invasion, inappropriate fire regimes etc.
- Medium sized tree to 20 metres in height with a similar crown width giving it a rounded shape
- Traditionally found along the edges of remnant or drier rainforest in SE Queensland and northern NSW
- Matures around 10 years of age and has stiff, slightly serrated leaves
Flowers are 15cm, cream or creamy-white spikes, produced in winter to spring
Fruit have a hard, brown edible nut encased in a green leathery outer shell with a 2-3 cm diameter which are borne in summer
Human uses
The seed kernel is sweet and edible. Oil can be extracted and the nut made into nut butter.
Acknowledgement: Bush Heritage, Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment
Photo: Forest and Kim Starr