Macadamia Maroochy (Macadamia tetraphylla)

A commercial very productive cropper and may also be used as an evergreen specimen tree with new foliage being a coppery-green colour.

Rich in vegetable protein, very high in good oil, high in selenium – element often scarce in New Zealand soils which is good for male fertility. No Cholesterol but reportedly can reduce blood cholesterol if eaten regularly each week. Excellent snack food.

On a mature tree you can expect about 13-25kg of nuts per harvest. Cutting grown plants so will fruit a lot sooner than the equivalent seed grown plant.

Plant Care

• Soil: Best in deep, well-drained soil enriched with organic matter, pH 5.5 to 6.5.
• Watering: Water deeply and regularly, more so during the dry season.
• Temperature: Prefers temperatures between 10°C and 25°C.
• Light: Full sun to partial shade.
• Fertilising: Use a slow-release, low-phosphorus NPK fertilizer annually.
• Pruning: Prune to shape the tree and encourage branching, particularly in the early years.
• Mulching: Mulch heavily to conserve moisture and protect roots.
• Pest Control: Check for macadamia nut borer and treat with suitable insecticides if necessary.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Flowers are subtle; nuts are the primary produce, harvested when husks begin to split.
• Potting: Suitable for initial growth in large containers but eventually needs planting out.
• Feeding Regime: Light feeding with emphasis on nitrogen for leaf growth and potassium for nut development.