Canopy · Evergreen nut tree
Macadamia
Macadamia integrifolia / M. tetraphylla
A long-lived evergreen nut tree for frost-sheltered warm sites. Slow to crop but valuable canopy structure and high-value kai where climate allows.
Also known as: Macadamia, Queensland nut
Layer
Canopy
Climate
Subtropical, Warm temperate
Sun
Full sun; protect from strong salt and cold winds.
Water
Steady moisture while establishing; moderately drought tolerant once deep-rooted. Avoid waterlogging.
Soil
Deep, free-draining fertile soil with organic matter. Slightly acidic preferred.
Size
8–12 m (managed smaller) H · 6–10 m W
Growth
Slow to moderate; long juvenile period before nut crops
Frost
Frost tender when young; mature trees tolerate light frost with shelter. Hard frost damages flush and flowers.
Edible uses
Nuts (kernels)
Harvest window
Autumn to early winter when husks split; timing site-dependent
Ecological functions
Canopy shade · Leaf litter · Long-term structure
Wildlife value
Bird perch · Insect forage during flowering
Human uses
Nuts · Culinary oil (processed) · Shade tree
Propagation
Grafted named cultivars for consistent nuts; seedlings variable and slow.
Maintenance
Formative pruning; collect fallen nuts promptly; manage rats; mulch and compost.
NZ growing notes
Best in warm coastal Northland, Auckland and Bay of Plenty. Expect several years before meaningful harvest. Cross-pollination between cultivars often improves set.
In the food forest
Macadamia sits in the canopy layer as a long-term nut producer. Pair with nitrogen-fixing nurses and groundcover while it is juvenile; keep the root zone free-draining and open at the collar.
Establishment
Plant grafted trees in spring on well-drained ground. Stake and shelter from wind. Mulch widely. Use pigeon pea or tagasaste as temporary nurses; comfrey at the drip line for chop-and-drop.
NZ honesty
Warm coastal microclimates only for reliable nuts. Cooler inland and southern sites may grow foliage but fruiting needs local proof — treat as a long experiment unless neighbours succeed nearby.
Suitable NZ regions
Companion plants
Related guilds
References
- NZ subtropical orchard practice — Warm-site nut crop; patience required for home plantings.