Macadamia nut, Smooth-shelled Macadamia

It is a subtropical plant. It grows in the highlands in the tropics. It is native to Australia. In Australia trees grow naturally in rain forests in the subtropics. It suits humid locations. Soils need to be well-drained. They need a sheltered site as they suffer from wind damage. They do best in humus rich soils. They can tolerate light frosts. It has been introduced to other countries from Australia. It does well at 1000 to 1200 m altitude in Papua New Guinea and will grow up to 1700 m. In XTBG Yunnan. It suits hardiness zones 9-11.

Also known as:

Castanha-macadamia, Poppel Nut

Synonyms

Macadamia ternifolia var. integrifolia (Maiden & Betche) Maiden & Betche

Edible Portion

Seeds kernel, Nuts

Where does Macadamia nut grow?

Found in: Africa, Asia, Australia, Brazil, Central America, China, Colombia, Cook Islands, Costa Rica, East Africa, Ethiopia, Fiji, Guam, Guatemala, Hawaii, Indochina, Indonesia, Kenya, Malawi, Marquesas, Mexico, North America, Pacific, Peru, Philippines, Samoa, SE Asia, Singapore, Solomon Islands, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Tanzania, Thailand, United States, Venezuela, Zimbabwe

Notes: There are about 14 Macadamia species. They are mainly in Australia.

Status: Introduced into Papua New Guinea. Although not yet common in Papua New Guinea it is probably one of the nuts worth promoting. This is the commercial species. It is a cultivated food plant.

Growing Macadamia nut, Smooth-shelled Macadamia

Cultivation: Trees are mostly grown from seed. Seed should be sown fresh. Seeds germinate quickly and easily. They can be grown from cuttings. Plants can be grown by budding or grafting. Pruning increases branching. A spacing of 5 to 10 m is suitable. Many varieties need pollinator trees and bees to assist pollination.

Edible Uses: The nuts are eaten raw although some kinds are roasted. They can be coated with chocolate or carob and used in pastries, candies, ice cream, cakes and pies. The oil can be used with salads and stir-fried dishes.

Production: Nuts are ripe from January to March in Australia. Nuts are harvested after they fall. The outside husk needs to be rubbed off then the nuts dried in the sun.

Nutrition Info

per 100g edible portion

Edible Part	Energy (kcal)	Protein (g)	Iron (mg)	Vitamin A (ug)	Vitamin c (mg)	Zinc (mg)	% Water
Nuts	719	7.9	3.7	0	1.2	1.3	1.4

Macadamia nut, Smooth-shelled Macadamia Photos

Macadamia nut, Smooth-shelled Macadamia

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