Macadamia integrifolia explained

Macadamia integrifolia is a small to medium-sized tree native to Australian rainforests. Common names include macadamia, smooth-shelled macadamia, bush nut, Queensland nut, Bauple nut and nut oak.^[1]

Description

Macadamia integrifolia trees grow to in height.

The leaves are simple, oblong in shape, glossy, entire with wavy leaf margins and are 20cm (10inches) long and 10 cm wide.^[2] The flowers are white or pink followed by woody, edible rounded fruits^[3] which are 2 to 3.5 cm in diameter.

Distribution and habitat

It is native to rainforests in southeast Queensland and northern New South Wales, Australia.

It has been introduced to Mexico and has done well in the states of Michoacán and Jalisco.^[4]

The trees will survive in hardiness zones 10 and 11.

Ecology

The trees in Australia can be affected by fungal pathogens from the Neopestalotiopsis genus and the Pestalotiopsis genus (both of the Sporocadaceae family); they both cause flower blight.^{[5] [6]}

Uses

This tree is rarely cultivated for ornamental purposes.

See also

• Macadamia

Notes and References

1. Web site: Species Profile and Threats Database: Macadamia integrifolia. Department of the Environment. 2020. Department of the Environment, Canberra.
2. Web site: Australian Native Plants Society (Australia).
3. Book: Hargreaves. Dorothy. Hargreaves. Bob. Tropical Trees of Hawaii. 1964. Hargreaves. Kailua, Hawaii. 40.
4. Marisela Taboada & Rogelio Oliver Guadarrama. 2004. Cultivos alternativos en México. Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Morelos. Centro de Investigaciones Biológicas. AGT Editor S.A. Mexico City, Mexico.
5. Prasannath . Kandeeparoopan . Shivas . Roger G. . Galea . Victor J. . Akinsanmi . Olufemi A. . Neopestalotiopsis Species Associated with Flower Diseases of Macadamia integrifolia in Australia . J Fungi (Basel) . 17 September 2021 . 7 . 9 . 771 . 10.3390/jof7090771. 34575809 . free . 8471233 .
6. Akinsanmi . O.A. . Nisa . S. . Jeffego . O.S. . Drenth . A. . Multiple Pestalotiopsis and Neopestalotiopsis species cause flower blight of macadamia in Australia. . Phytopathology . 2016 . 106 . 12 . 122‑122.