Macademia - Macadamia integrifolia (Care, Characteristics, Distribution, Images, Toxic)

Macademia

Also known as: Bush Nut, Nut Oak, Bauple Nut

Macademia (Macadamia integrifolia) is a broadleaf evergreen prized for its nuts. Indigenous to Australia, macadamia nuts have been an important food source for aboriginal Australians for thousands of years. The tree made its way to Hawaii in 1837. The shells are so hard that ordinary handheld nutcrackers can't open them, and commercial growers use powerful husking machines to crack them.

Scientific classification

Species

Macademia (Macadamia integrifolia)

Proteas, lotuses, planes, and allies

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Toxic to Humans

Toxicity

Perennial

Lifespan

Tree

Plant Type

Spring, Winter

Bloom Time

Summer

Harvest Time

2.5 cm

Flower Size

White, Yellow, Pink, Green

Flower Color

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Spring, Winter

Growth Season

Images of Macademia

Distribution of Macademia

Distribution Map

Macademia is a plant that is native to the subtropical rainforests of a major region in the Southern Hemisphere. It has been introduced and is now cultivated in various tropical and subtropical regions across the Americas, Africa, and parts of Asia. The plant thrives both in its indigenous locales and in these new areas where it has been established.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Dry rainforests, alluvial situations bordering rivers and creeks

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Culture

Garden Use

The showy spring and summer foliage and large fruits of the macademia tree work well in tropical gardens. Because it grows in tropical locations, it thrives in moist, sunny gardens. Large trees cast shade and smaller trees can form hedges or borders. The foliage lasts year-round, adding ornamentation to gardens even through the winter.

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Toxicity

Macademia is an edible nut toxic to cats, causing illnesses if ingested. Symptoms in humans with allergies include red patches, shortness of breath, and potentially, death. Dogs may experience mild vomiting and diarrhea from the nuts. To ensure pet safety, keep all parts of macademia away from cats and the nuts away from dogs.

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Quickly Identify Macademia

Whorled evergreen foliage provides ample shade, enhancing ornamental value.

Fragrant flowers in drooping racemes, creamy-white with cascading effect.

Globular fruit with creamy-white nut, encased in hard, brown shell.

Evergreen leaves, oblong-lanceolate to oblong-ovate, whorled, wavy margins.

Leaf length 8-10 inches (7-15 cm), narrow-elliptical to oblong shape, toothed when young.

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Care Guide for Macademia

Every 2 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Garden Soil

Soil Type

Water: Macademia flourishes in well-drained soils and is drought-resistant. It prefers consistent moisture without waterlogging, benefiting from biweekly watering. As an outdoor plant in subtropical climates, careful irrigation during its active growth phase is crucial for optimal nut production.

Fertilize: Fertilize macademia with high nitrogen fertilizers quarterly for growth, flowering, and nut yield, adjusting for size. Increase frequency in active seasons while preventing over-fertilization. Use balanced feed during dormancy with slow-release. Protect macademia's trunk during application and water thoroughly afterward.

Pruning: Macademia is an evergreen tree that produces edible nuts. Prune in early to late winter by removing dead or crossing branches to enhance airflow, light penetration, and overall health. Regular thinning maintains structure for heavy nut yields. Use clean, sharp tools to avoid disease transmission.

Propagation: Macademia, native to Australia, is valued for its nutrient-rich nuts. Propagation mainly involves seeds, which may not breed true, thus grafting onto rootstocks ensures cultivar consistency. Fresh seeds improve germination rates, while disease-free rootstocks promote growth. Managing soil moisture and pest protection aids establishment.

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