Queensland Nut (Macadamia tetraphylla)

Family: Proteaceae | Edibility: Choice Edible (4/5)

Macadamia tetraphylla is an evergreen Tree growing to 10 m (32ft) by 10 m (32ft) at a slow rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. The plant is self-fertile. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Nuts/Seeds

Harvest Seasons: Fall, Late Summer

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Pleasantly flavoured and nutritious, the seed is a little sweeter than the related Macadamia integrifolia and contains a little less oil. — Seed - raw or cooked.; Pleasantly flavoured and nutritious, the seed is a little sweeter than the related Macadamia integrifolia and contains a little less oil.; They can be eaten as a dessert nut and can also be ground into a flour and then mixed with cereal flours to enrich the protein content.; The shell is very hard, making it difficult to extract the seed.

Habitat & North American Range

In or near rainforests. Found mainly on alluvial situations bordering rivers and creeks where the fertile volcanic soils are rich in humus. (Zone 9)