Macadamia integrifolia
Smooth Shell Macadamia
Photo of Macadamia integrifolia - Smooth Shell Macadamia
No photo for the moment for Macadamia integrifolia - Smooth Shell Macadamia
Please note: You must be the owner of the posted photo and it must not be copyrighted.
Things You Must Knows cannot be held responsible for photos posted in violation of this rule
Common Name:
Sun (From 0 to 5):
Water (From 0 to 5):
Maximum temperature:
Minimum temperature:
Maximum height:
Maximum width:
Smooth Shell Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) - Description
Macadamia integrifolia is a tree in the Proteaceae family, native to Queensland in Australia. Common names include macadamia nut, bauple nut, Queensland nut or nut oak. This species is a small tree; its leaves have toothed margins and are 7 to 15 cm in length. The flowers are white or pinkish followed by woody, rounded fruits which are 2 to 3. 5 cm in diameter. It has been introduced to Mexico and has done well in the states of Michoacán and Jalisco. The trees will survive in hardiness zones 10 and 11.
Smooth Shell Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) - Blooming
Blooms petalless flowers that can undergo self-pollination, however the main agent of pollination seems to be bees.
Smooth Shell Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) - Growth
Well adapted to mild, frost-free regions with plentiful rainfall throughout the year. Macadamia will grow fine in California's coastal areas. Mature trees are somewhat frost tolerant, but young plants can be killed easily. Persistent hot summers will reduce plant yield. In climates that are suitable for Macadamia, the trees will produce nuts in about 3 to 5 years. Macadamias grow best with full sun exposure, however in very hot areas, partial shade is advised. The trees are sensitive to wind, as their branches are quite brittle and can be damaged easily. Macadamia works well in a home garden or in containers.
Smooth Shell Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) - Planting
Set out seedlings in fall so that they are not stressed too much from intense heat. Plants grown from the seed may take up to 12 years to produce crop. The most popular method of propagation is grafting, conducted in spring or fall.
Smooth Shell Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) - Pest
There are many pests and diseases in Australia that macadamias are prone to. However, in the US, there are few problems. Occasionally, the plants will be affected by thrips, mites, and scale insects. In more humid climates, anthracnose has been known to cause damage.
Smooth Shell Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) - Interesting facts
M. integrifolia is native to southeastern Queensland in Australia. In Queensland, the trees grow in the rainforests and stream sides. Macadamias were introduced to Hawaii in 1881. Two seedlings planted at UC Berkeley in the 1880's are still present today.
Smooth Shell Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) - Soil and irrigation
Macadamias can grow in a broad range of soils, including open sands, lava rock soil, and heavy clay soils. The only requirement is that the soil must be well-drained. However, macadamias will thrive in deep soil that is rich with nutrients and maintains a pH of 5.5-6.5. They are not tolerant of high salt concentrations, and in areas with low rainfall, the soil should be leached on a regular basis. Macadamias are drought tolerant, but in these conditions the harvest will not be optimum. During dry periods, water macadamias regularly and deeply. Proper irrigation is especially important during the period from the time of nut set through vegetative growth in midsummer. Young macadamia trees require more water than mature plants.
