Macadamia
Macadamia integrifoliafam. Scrophulariaceae
Educational content — not medical, botanical, or professional advice. Plant identification, safety, and edibility depend on local conditions, cultivars, and correct identification. Consult a qualified botanist or forager before consuming or handling wild specimens. How we source & review →
Pl. C045 — Macadamia integrifolia
Macadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifoliaMacadamia integrifolia
IOverview
Overview
Macadamia integrifolia, commonly known as macadamia, is a tree native to the coastal forests of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions. Known for its edible seeds, which are used both as a snack and in various culinary applications, macadamia is also valued for its creamy milk. Standing up to 10 meters tall, this tree offers an ornamental value with its distinctive evergreen leaves that remain unlobed throughout the year.
Quick answers
What is Macadamia?
Macadamia integrifolia, commonly known as macadamia, is a tree native to the coastal forests of New South Wales and Queensland in Australia. This plant thrives in full sun with moist soil that can range from light (sandy) to heavy (clay), making it adaptable but preferring well-drained conditions.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Macadamia integrifolia thrives in full sun and requires moist soil that can be light (sandy), medium, or heavy (clay). It is hardy in zones 9-12 and can grow up to 10 meters tall. Propagate through seed for an edible harvest of seeds and milk.
Light
Full sun
Water
Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
9-12
Habit
Tree
Mature size
10.0 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Macadamia for the first time
8steps
Start with a young macadamia tree for the best beginner experience.
- 1
What you'll need
A young macadamia tree, garden gloves, and a trowel.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring or early summer when temperatures are mild.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Ensure the soil is well-draining with plenty of organic matter. For containers, use a mix of light, medium, and heavy soils.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young trees directly into the garden or a large pot if you're growing in a container.
- 5
First two weeks
Water regularly to keep soil moist but not waterlogged. Monitor for pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun, regular watering, and occasional pruning to maintain shape. Fertilize lightly in spring.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune young trees to encourage a strong structure. Harvest seeds when ripe, usually after 2-3 years.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy clay soil, and not providing enough sunlight are common pitfalls.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:SeedMilk
Edible uses: Oil
Other uses:CosmeticFire starteroilTannin
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
2 native · 12 introduced
Distribution
2 native · 12 introducedDistribution across2 continents· 2 native· 12 introduced
Americas7 regions
introduced (7)BelizeBoliviaCosta RicaEl SalvadorHondurasPeruPuerto Rico
Africa1 region
introduced (1)Mozambique
Broader regions
native:Queensland, New South Wales
introduced:KwaZulu-Natal, Trinidad-Tobago, Northern Provinces, California
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Scrophulariaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Scrophulariaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
Explore further
Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
About this entry
- Last updated
- Citation
- How to cite this entry · Submit a correction
Back to the cataloguePlant id · c0454b79-cc13-43bf-b353-56cf1796d49a
Decision aid
Choosing between Macadamia and something else?
Continue reading
❦❦❦❦
Endpaper · archive updates
Get archive updates
Occasional email when substantial new content lands — plant profiles, seasonal growing notes, folk-remedy additions. Free, no tracking, unsubscribe anytime.