Browse plants / Proteaceae
Macadamia Macadamia integrifolia
Also called Queensland nut, Smooth-shelled macadamia
Vulnerable (EPBC Act)
When it flowers
- January, not flowering
- February, not flowering
- March, not flowering
- April, not flowering
- May, not flowering
- June, not flowering
- July, flowering
- August, flowering
- September, flowering
- October, flowering
- November, not flowering
- December, not flowering
Bush food tree with long sprays of cream flowers and the familiar macadamia nut.
The species behind most commercial macadamias, a rainforest tree from south-east Queensland. Glossy leaves, long hanging sprays of small cream flowers and hard-shelled nuts that fall when ripe. Wild populations are threatened; garden trees are usually grafted varieties that crop within a few years.
In the garden
- Flowers
- Long hanging sprays of small cream flowers.
- Leaves
- Glossy, wavy leaves with few or no spines; new growth pale green.
- Attracts
- Birds, pollinating insects and shelter for small wildlife
Bush food
Nuts fall from late summer to winter. Collect, dry for a few weeks, then crack the hard shell.
Growing conditions
- Climate
- Subtropical and temperate
- Light
- Full sun to part shade
- Soil
- Sandy and loam
- Drainage
- Needs good drainage
- Frost
- Light frost
- Water
- Some dry spells
- Coast
- Sheltered coastal gardens
Planting and care
- Grown from
- Seed and grafting
Planting
Full sun in deep, well-drained soil, sheltered from strong wind. Buy a grafted variety for good nuts.
Pruning
Little pruning needed; remove crossing branches while young.
Care
Use a low-phosphorus fertiliser. Water well while flowering and while nuts form.
Safety
Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs, causing weakness and vomiting. Pick up fallen nuts.
Where it comes from
- Family
- Proteaceae
- Order
- Proteales
- Native to
- Queensland
- Natural range
- Rainforest of south-east Queensland.
- Conservation status
- Vulnerable
Where to buy
Widely available.
We don't have stockists listed for this plant yet. Local native nurseries are often the best place to ask.
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Further reading
- Macadamia integrifolia on the Atlas of Living Australia (Atlas of Living Australia)
Native nurseries near you
An independent list of nurseries that specialise in Australian native plants. Nobody pays to be on it. Distances are approximate and in a straight line. Opening hours and stock vary, so check before you go.