The Macadamia nut plant, known scientifically as Macadamia integrifolia, is an evergreen tree native to Australia but now grown in many tropical and subtropical regions worldwide for its edible seeds, known as macadamia nuts. Here's a detailed description of the Macadamia nut plant:
General Appearance:
Height: The tree typically grows between 30–40 feet (9–12 meters) tall, but it can reach up to 50 feet (15 meters) in ideal conditions.
Spread: The canopy can be wide, often spreading 25–30 feet (7.5–9 meters) in diameter.
Shape: The tree has a dense, rounded canopy with a spreading crown. It’s slow-growing but can live for many decades.
Leaves:
Shape: The leaves of the Macadamia tree are long, narrow, and lance-shaped. They have a glossy, dark green appearance on the upper surface and lighter green or slightly silvery underneath.
Size: The leaves are typically 6–12 inches (15–30 cm) long and 2–4 inches (5–10 cm) wide.
Fragrance: The leaves have a mild, pleasant fragrance when crushed.
Flowers:
Bloom Time: Macadamia trees bloom once a year, typically in late winter to early spring.
Color: The flowers are small, white to creamy-pink in color, and arranged in dense clusters, called racemes.
Shape: The flowers are tubular with four petals and have a sweet, fragrant scent that attracts pollinators like bees.
Pollination: The flowers require cross-pollination to set fruit, often needing another tree in close proximity.
Fruit:
Size: The fruit of the Macadamia tree is a round, woody capsule that grows about 1–2 inches (2.5–5 cm) in diameter.
Outer Shell: The outer shell is very hard and thick, requiring specialized equipment or tools to crack open.
Nut: Inside the capsule is the edible nut, which is smooth, pale-colored, and typically encased in a soft, brown skin.
Taste: The macadamia nut is rich, buttery, and slightly sweet with a creamy texture when consumed.
Bark:
The bark of the Macadamia tree is rough, gray-brown, and textured with a furrowed appearance.
Growth Conditions:
Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil, and thrives in sandy loam or rich, fertile soil types.
Climate: Macadamia trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C (68°F to 86°F). They cannot tolerate frost and are sensitive to low temperatures.
Sunlight: The tree needs full sunlight to produce quality nuts, though it can tolerate some partial shade.
Watering: Consistent, moderate watering is required, especially during the dry season. However, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot.
Growth Rate:
Slow Growth: Macadamia trees are slow-growing and can take 5–7 years to begin producing nuts under optimal conditions, with full production reached around 10–15 years.
Lifespan: With proper care, Macadamia trees can live for over 50 years, continuing to produce nuts for much of their lifetime.
Pests/Diseases:
Pests: Common pests include aphids, scale insects, and macadamia nut borer, which can damage the nuts or leaves.
Diseases: The tree can be susceptible to root rot, particularly in poorly-drained soils, as well as fungal diseases such as powdery mildew.
Harvesting:
When to Harvest: Macadamia nuts are harvested when the outer shell has cracked open naturally, indicating that the nut inside is ready. This typically occurs in late autumn or early winter, depending on the climate.
Yield: The yield can be quite high once the tree matures. A healthy tree can produce up to 50–100 pounds (22–45 kg) of nuts per year.
Uses:
Culinary: The nuts are commonly eaten raw, roasted, or used in cooking and baking. They’re popular in chocolates, cookies, cakes, salads, and nut butters.
Oil: Macadamia oil, derived from the nuts, is prized for its mild flavor and high smoke point, making it suitable for cooking, frying, and as a salad dressing.
Health Benefits: Macadamia nuts are rich in healthy monounsaturated fats, antioxidants, and essential nutrients like fiber and vitamins. They’re considered heart-healthy and may contribute to improved cholesterol levels.
Care and Maintenance:
Pruning: Regular pruning helps shape the tree and remove dead or diseased branches. It also improves airflow and sunlight penetration, which can aid in fruit production.
Fertilization: Macadamia trees benefit from regular feeding, especially with fertilizers high in potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus.
Protection: Young trees should be protected from strong winds and frosts, as they can be sensitive to extreme weather conditions.
The Macadamia tree is a prized plant for its edible and highly sought-after nuts. While the tree requires patience and careful attention, it can provide a valuable and delicious crop for years to come.
✅Planting And Care
✅Sunlight
Sunlight of more than 6 hours a day is ideal for flowering and fruit development of the plant.
✅Soil
The soil should be well drained, fertile and rich in organic content.
✅Watering
Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.
Apply 4 cup(approx. 200 ml) of water when the top soil (1-2 inch) in the pot feels dry to touch.
Do not overwater the plant.
As a rule of thumb, water the plants thoroughly in summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.
Water should be applied preferably in the morning or evening.
✅Application of Fertilizer
Before application of fertilizer loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so, it can uptake the nutrients and moisture easily.
Apply organic fertilizer once a month during the main growing season (December-February)
Apply water immediately after application of fertilizer.
✅Re-potting
When a plant outgrows in current pot, re-pot with fresh potting soil and some fertilizer.
Do the re-potting late evening and keep the plant in shady area for 2 to 3 days and then move the plant in its suitable climatic condition.
✅Plant Protection
Remove dead, infected or damaged plant parts and discard them away from the plants.
For any insect attack or disease, you can use Neem oil, Eucalyptus oil or Citrus oil spray for primary treatment.
✅Don’ts
Do not over-water the plant especially when pot does not have drainage holes.
REC: After getting (( VERY VERY IMPORTANT )) the plants, AVOID exposing them to direct sunlight as it can cause leaf BURN. AVOID overwatering your plants. The primary reason for outdoor plant demise is excessive watering.
Planting: Excavate a hole double the size in width and depth compared to the polybag that contains your plant. Fill it up, blending compost with the topsoil. Insert the plant into the newly loosened soil. It is essential to water both Rare Live Plant & Regular (Morning 300ml).
NOTE 1: The plant may appear dry due to transportation time.greenery nursery However, the plant is still healthy because it is an outdoor plant. Place it back in the soil, apply the included fertilizer, water it, and monitor it for a week. It will restore its freshness.
Note 2: image is for reference only. Appearance of actual product may vary based on factors such as climate, age, and height.
✅ Easy To Grow
✅Hybrid Varient
✅Suitable for Indian Climate
✅best plant for garden.
✅Safe and Good Packaging
✅Easy Grow in pot