Agroforestree Database

Local names:
 English (smooth macadamia nut,Queensland nut,macadamia nut,Australian bush nut)

Macadamia integrifolia is a large, spreading, evergreen tree attaining a height of 18 m and a crown of 15 m.

Leaves in whorls of 3, oblong to oblanceolate, 10-30 x 2-4 cm, glabrous, coriaceous, irregularly spiny-dentate when young, entire in later stages; petiole 5-15 mm long; 3 buds arranged longitudinally in the axil of each leaf usually only the top bud shoots out, making a sharply acute angle with the trunk. 

Racemes axillary on mature new growth or on leafless older shoot, pendulous, 10-30 cm long, with 100-500 flowers; flowers in groups of 2-4, about 12 mm long, creamy-white; pedicles 3-4 mm long; perianth tubular with 4 petaloid sepals.

Fruit a globose follicle, 2.5-4 cm in diameter; pericarp fibrous, about 3 mm thick. Seed (nut) usually 1, globular, with a smooth, hard, thick (2-5 mm) testa enclosing the edible kernel.

The genus is named after J. Macadam (1827-1865), secretary of the philosophical Institute of Victoria. The specific name integrifolia is from the Latin integri-‘entire’ and folium-‘a leaf’ in allusion to the grouping of leaves in whorls of four.

Ecology

M. integrifolia prefers well-drained soils, shelter from winds and a mild, frost-free, subtropical climate with well-distributed annual rainfall of at least 1 200 mm. It occurs naturally in the fringes of subtropical rainforests. It appears to tolerate only a narrow range of temperatures (optimum during the growing season is 25 deg. C). Temperature is the major climatic variable determining growth and productivity. Trees in Southeast Asia grow fairly well but flower and fruit sporadically throughout the year. In eastern Africa, orchards are planted at elevations of 1 000-1 600 m in areas with a prominently seasonal climate, leading to a synchronous resumption of growth and flowering over a cool, overcast season. Abnormal tree growth, low yield and poor nut quality have been noted in Africa at higher altitudes with little sunshine during the flowering and fruiting season.

The xerophytic characteristics of the tree, including the sclerophyllous leaves and proteoid roots (dense clusters of rootlets formed to explore poor soils low in phosphorus) suggest adaptation to relatively harsh environments. However, the conditions required for optimum production may be quite different from those for survival. Mature M. integrifolia is capable of withstanding mild frosts, but only for short periods. The brittle wood makes trees susceptible to wind damage.

Native range
Australia

Tree management

Seedling growth, initially slow, gathers momentum as saplings produce a series of extension growth flushes in a year. The juvenile phase lasts for 7 years or more, but grafted trees come into bearing after 3 years. The current trend is for high-density hedgerow plantings, which maximize early yields. Inter-row spacing of 10 m is most common (7 m if mechanical pruning is carried out). The distance between rows should be 4-6 m, depending on cultivar and growing conditions. 

Correct branching should be induced at an early age after which there should be no further pruning. During the first 2 years, training (a form of corrective pruning) is done to develop a strong, well-balanced framework for future growth. The young trees should receive careful attention with respect to irrigation, weed control and frost and wind protection. They should also be fertilized to make them grow well and induce early flowering.

Mulching is recommended for young trees (when the trees come into bearing, it interferes with nut collection). Fertilizer management should be guided by leaf and soil analysis, the phenological cycle and yield. Macadamia trees appear to be sensitive to nutrient deficiencies and imbalances, and positive responses to N, P, K, Zn, B, S, Mg, Fe and Cu have been observed.

Yields of 45 kg nuts-in-shell from better trees or an average of 3.2-3.5 t/ha per year are obtained in Hawaii.

Seed storage behaviour is uncertain. Drying until the kernel rattles in the shell does not harm viability; no loss of viability during 4 months of storage in paper bags at room temperature, after which time viability is reduced, and none survives after 12 months. No loss in viability after 12 months of storage in polythene bags at 12 deg. C; viability maintained for 24 months with partially dried seeds at 15 deg. C.

M. integrifolia prefers well-drained soils, shelter from winds and a mild, frost-free, subtropical climate with well-distributed annual rainfall of at least 1 200 mm. It occurs naturally in the fringes of subtropical rainforests. It appears to tolerate only a narrow range of temperatures (optimum during the growing season is 25 deg. C). Temperature is the major climatic variable determining growth and productivity. Trees in Southeast Asia grow fairly well but flower and fruit sporadically throughout the year. In eastern Africa, orchards are planted at elevations of 1 000-1 600 m in areas with a prominently seasonal climate, leading to a synchronous resumption of growth and flowering over a cool, overcast season. Abnormal tree growth, low yield and poor nut quality have been noted in Africa at higher altitudes with little sunshine during the flowering and fruiting season.

The xerophytic characteristics of the tree, including the sclerophyllous leaves and proteoid roots (dense clusters of rootlets formed to explore poor soils low in phosphorus) suggest adaptation to relatively harsh environments. However, the conditions required for optimum production may be quite different from those for survival. Mature M. integrifolia is capable of withstanding mild frosts, but only for short periods. The brittle wood makes trees susceptible to wind damage.

M. integrifolia comes reasonably true to type when raised from seed. Seeds for propagation are selected from vigorous, heavy-bearing trees. The fresh nuts are planted with no pretreatment. 

Grafting may develop desirable clones; side wedge grafting has been used exclusively in Hawaii. Other vegetative propagation methods include splice grafting and cuttings.

  The fine, crunchy texture, rich cream colour and delicate flavour make the macadamia nut one of the finest dessert nuts. The eating quality of the nut is enhanced by lightly roasting it in coconut oil and salting. Raw kernels are also popular alone or in a wide range of confectionery and processed foods. The quality of the kernel is related to its oil content and composition. Nuts are mature when the kernels accumulate 72% or more oil, as determined by specific gravity. Kernels also contain 10% carbohydrates; 9.2% protein, which is low in methionine; 0.7% minerals, particularly potassium;, and niacin, thiamine and riboflavin.

Apiculture:  Macadamia pollen is very attractive to bees, providing necessary forage for honey production.

Macadamia shells may be used as fuel, generating sufficient energy to dry wet, in-shell nuts.

Shade or shelter:  M. integrifolia makes an excellent evergreen shade and shelter due to its thick crown of leaves.

Tannin or dyestuff:  The hulls, the green covering of the nuts, contain approximately 14% of substances suitable for tanning leather.

Lipids:  Macadamia is the richest oil-yielding nut known. The kernel contains more than 75% oil, suitable for human consumption.

Ornamental:  As well as being an evergreen nut-bearing tree, M. integrifolia has good symmetrical shape and when in full bloom is covered with creamy-white and pinkish flowers in long, narrow, drooping racemes. These make it a popular ornamental tree.

Soil improver:  The decomposed husk is commonly used in potting soil.

Intercropping:  Inter-row cropping can be practised with trees such as citrus, if they are removed at 12 years. Macadamia will retard the growth of papaya planted near it.

Essential oil:  The characteristic, subtle macadamia flavour is probably due to volatile compounds, the major ones being similar to those in other roasted nuts.