Scientific Name: Macadamia integrifolia

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  • Pronunciation:
    mack-uh-DAY-mee-uh in-teg-rih-FOH-lee-uh
  • Common Name:
    Macadamia
  • Type:
    Tree
  • Family:
    PROTEACEAE
  • Status:
    VULNERABLE
  • Flowers:
    Cream/white flowers long raceme from leaf axils in spring.
  • Fruit:
    Fruit is a hard-shelled nut surrounded by leathery green outer shell about 3cm in diameter ripe late summer.
  • Vegetation Type:
    Rainforest
  • Species List:
    Bush food, Bush medicine, Community Gardens, RE 12.3.1. RE 12.8.13. RE 12.11.1. RE 12.11.10. RE 12.12.16.
Cultural Notes

TAKE CARE! Some information about bush foods and medicines may be anecdotal. Correct identification and preparation is essential:

Bush food: edible nuts. Rich in protein, and vitamin B. Bush medicine: Consumption of kernels increases the quantity and quality of nursing mothers\' milk. Common in cultivation for over 100 years. Grown commercially for the edible kernel since World War 2. Many gardens in Southeast Queensland have a Maca Nut down the back yard.

Identification Notes

Simple leaves, mostly in whorls or opposite, narrow elliptic to very long and narrow; mostly entire (in adult plants) with wavy margins; juvenile leaves coarsely toothed.

Associated Fauna

Butterfly host plant: Pencilled blue, Hairy lineblue, Six lineblue, Small purple lineblue, Felder\'s lineblue., Double Spotted Lineblue, Marbled Blue

Landscaping Notes

Moist well-drained soils. Masses of attractive flowers in spring and new flushes of growth after rain make this a must have for the larger garden. Many cultivars available of various size, habit, productivity and disease resistance.