Macadamia Tetraphylla
MACADAMIA Fact Sheet
- a) Average expected lifespan. 60 years, but can live to well over 100
- b) Years until trees 1st fruit. 5-7. Full production at 12-15 years
- c) Season of year when productive tree fruits. Nov-Jan, March- April
- d) Expected or average number years tree expected to fruit for once it begins. Trees will fruit indefinitely, average of 70 years
- e) Country/area of origin. Indigenous to Queensland Australia
- f) Average annual rainfall in area of origin. South East QLD: 1000-1500mm
- g) Latin name of tree and family. Macadamia Integreolia & Tetraphylla are the two most common varieties. Member if the Proteaceae Family, related to Banksia and Grevillia. Indigenously known as ‘kindal kindal’.
- h) Any other products, benefits, useful or interesting facts about of tree.
The outer husk serves as a useful byproduct:
-Can be added to organic matter and used as mulch to improve soil.
-Has been used as an abrasive ingredient for sand blasting activities as well in cosmetic scrubs
-Sustains high temperatures when burning and can be used by industry as a fuel for firing furnaces
The richly coloured, glossy leaves and unique flowers can be used ornamentally by florists
While the wood is not commonly used within the timber industry (as it can be difficult to work with) it if often used to create small scale specialty wood products such as decorative boxes, bowls, utensils etc.
Nuts are toxic to dogs
- i) Height, width and shape of tree at maturity (in meters). Macadamia are a hardy evergreen that naturally grow to a height of 12-20metres high, and similarly as wide, creating a dense even mass of foliage round foliage about the tree, with the bottom third of trunk showing
The trunk is protected by rough, unfurrowed bark that typically grows up to .3meters in diameter.
Folliage of M. Integrifolia develop in whorls of 3 and grow 8-12 inches long. New growth is pale green, while foliage of M. Tetrephylla develop whorls of 4, grow up to 20 inches and have bronzy pink regrowth.
- j) Challenges or special requirements. Macadamia are a hardy native well suited to our climate, they can however be affected by heat stress and will struggle without accustomed rainfall.
They are self pollinating, but do depend primarily on bees to aid in their pollination.
Can be affected by boring insect varieties, so may need pest control.
