Macadamia Integrifolia

Description

Macadamia Integrifolia, commonly known as the Smooth-Shell Macadamia or the Macadamia Nut, is an evergreen tree native to Australia. It belongs to the Proteaceae family and is a popular commercial crop due to its delicious and nutritious nuts. The tree can grow up to 15 meters tall and has a dense rounded canopy. The leaves are dark green, glossy, and lanceolate in shape. The flowers are small and white, and the fruit is a woody husk enclosing a hard-shelled nut.

Taxonomic Information

Domain	Eukaryota
Kingdom	Plantae
Phylum	Spermatophyta
Class	Magnoliopsida
Order	Proteales
Family	Proteaceae
Genus	Macadamia

Appearance

The Macadamia Integrifolia tree has a dense, rounded canopy with dark green, glossy, and lanceolate leaves that are 15-30 cm long and 5-10 cm wide. The tree produces small, white flowers that bloom in summer and fall. The fruit is a woody husk that splits open when ripe, revealing a hard-shelled nut that is round, smooth, and brown. The nut is 2-3 cm in diameter and has a sweet, creamy, and rich flavor.

Care Guide

To grow a healthy and productive Macadamia Integrifolia tree, you need to provide it with the following care:Water: The tree needs regular watering, especially during the growing season. Make sure the soil is moist but not waterlogged.Fertilization: The tree requires regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Apply the fertilizer every three months during the growing season.Soil: The tree prefers well-draining and slightly acidic soil with a pH of 5.0-6.5. If your soil is not suitable, you can amend it with organic matter such as compost or peat moss.Sunlight: The tree needs full sun exposure to grow and produce nuts. Make sure it is not shaded by other trees or structures.Hardiness Zones: The tree is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, which means it can tolerate minimum temperatures of 20-30°F (-6.7 to -1.1°C).

Common Pests & Diseases

The Macadamia Integrifolia tree is susceptible to various pests and diseases, including:Pests: The tree can be attacked by macadamia nut borer, macadamia felted coccid, macadamia twig girdler, and macadamia lace bug.Diseases: The tree can suffer from fungal diseases such as phytophthora root rot, verticillium wilt, and anthracnose.To prevent and control pests and diseases, you should regularly inspect your tree, remove any infected or damaged parts, and apply appropriate pesticides or fungicides.

Habitat

The Macadamia Integrifolia tree is native to the rainforests of eastern Australia, where it grows in a warm and humid climate. The tree prefers well-draining soil and full sun exposure. It is often cultivated in tropical and subtropical regions around the world for its nuts.

Question and Answer

Q: How long does it take for a Macadamia Integrifolia tree to produce nuts?
A: It takes about 7-10 years for a Macadamia Integrifolia tree to produce nuts.Q: Can Macadamia Integrifolia trees tolerate drought?
A: No, Macadamia Integrifolia trees need regular watering and cannot tolerate drought.Q: How many varieties of Macadamia Integrifolia are there?
A: There are several varieties of Macadamia Integrifolia, including Beaumont, Kakea, A16, and A38.Q: What is the nutritional value of Macadamia Integrifolia nuts?
A: Macadamia Integrifolia nuts are rich in healthy fats, fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. They are a good source of energy and can help reduce the risk of heart disease.

Related Plants

Here are some related plants to Macadamia Integrifolia:- Macadamia Tetraphylla- Protea Cynaroides- Banksia Serrata- Grevillea Robusta- Acacia Dealbata

References

– “Macadamia Integrifolia.” The Plant List. Accessed on 20 June 2021.- “Macadamia Integrifolia.” Australian Native Plants Society. Accessed on 20 June 2021.- “Macadamia Integrifolia.” University of Florida IFAS Extension. Accessed on 20 June 2021.- “Macadamia Integrifolia.” California Rare Fruit Growers. Accessed on 20 June 2021.- “Macadamia Integrifolia.” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed on 20 June 2021.