Macadamia tetraphylla

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Macadamia tetraphylla

Macadamia tetraphylla (pronunciation: mə-kə-ˈdā-mē-ə te-trə-ˈfi-lə) is a species of tree in the family Proteaceae, native to southeastern Queensland and northeastern New South Wales in Australia. It is known by the common names rough-shelled macadamia or Queensland nut.

Etymology

The genus name Macadamia was named after John Macadam, a Scottish-born physician and chemist who promoted the tree's cultivation in Australia. The species name tetraphylla is derived from the Greek words 'tetra' meaning 'four' and 'phyllon' meaning 'leaf', referring to the leaves which are usually in whorls of four.

Description

Macadamia tetraphylla is an evergreen tree that grows up to 18 meters tall. The leaves are arranged in whorls of three or four, each leaf 7–25 cm long and 2–3 cm broad, with a spiny margin. The flowers are produced in a long, slender, simple raceme 5–10 cm long, the individual flowers 10–15 mm long, white to pink, with four tepals.

The fruit is a very hard, woody, globose follicle with a pointed apex, containing one or two seeds. The seed is a nut, commonly known as the macadamia nut.

Cultivation and uses

Macadamia tetraphylla is commercially grown for its nuts, which are edible and used in a variety of culinary applications. The nuts are also a significant export product for Australia.

Related terms

  • Macadamia integrifolia: Another species of macadamia tree, also commercially grown for its nuts.
  • Proteaceae: The plant family to which the macadamia tree belongs.
  • John Macadam: The Scottish-born physician and chemist after whom the macadamia tree is named.

External links

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