Macadamia

By Geoff Holloway

Macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia) is a tree in the family Proteaceae, native to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales growing to 25m. Common names include macadamia nut and Queensland nut. Another species discovered by Explorer/botanist Allan Cunningham.

There are 4 species with the Genus of Macadamia – integrifolia, tetraphylla, ternifolia and jansenii with the integrifolia being the more prolific in Southeast Qld. A hybrid of integrifolia and tetraphylla has been developed for commercial production of nuts overseas.

The heartwood has a fairly coarse texture, colour ranges from a pale pink to darker reddish brown. Very large rays exhibiting a lacewood-like effect when quartersawn which can be quite attractive. The wood will check when drying and recovery rate is not good, medium density is around 700kg/m3, turns and finishes well.