Macadamia x tetraphylla 'Beaumont'

An evergreen tree that grows up to 8m tall.

Pink fragrant flowers are produced from spring to summer followed by spherical fruit in a hard shell in summer to autumn. Leaves are maroon in colour when young but mature to dark green and are serrated.

Prefers some shelter and deep fertile soils. Tolerates light frosts.

Always choose healthy well grown plants and plant after autumn rains as the soil is moist and warm and allows trees to become established before winter. This enables them to withstand dry periods during the following summer. Young plants require thorough watering during dry periods over the first two or three years. Mulching helps to conserve moisture and suppress weeds. Planting success is often improved on clay soils by adding extra topsoil and raising beds. Incorporate coarse sand, bark, peat, compost or other organic material to improve soil structure. Before planting ensure the root ball is saturated and remove the planter bag or pot with minimal root disturbance. Trim any broken roots and plant at the same level as in the container. Dig a hole twice the diameter of the root ball and firm in and water once planted. Make sure plants are watered well until established if planting in a drier period. Plant with some general slow release fertiliser and then every spring apply an organic based fertiliser such as blood and bone at a handful per square meter as new growth begins.

Tall plants and those in windy positions require staking to stabilize the root ball until established. Position the stakes in the hole before planting and place the plant between them. Use wide ties that hold securely without chafing tie firmly but allow room for the trunk to increase in girth without constriction. This allows the plant to move a little in the wind encouraging the development of a strong root system without the risk of chafing or root damage. Unless the soil is very wet water thoroughly making sure that moisture penetrates to the depth of the root-ball.

Apply mulch annually to help suppress weeds and conserve moisture. Organic materials such as sawdust and bark contribute to soil structure as they decompose. Keep mulching material away from plant stems. Young trees should be given an annual dressing of 500gm of a general purpose fertiliser and older trees an application in spring and autumn. The nuts mature in autumn and should be collected as they fall. Prompt removal of the outer husk and storage in a dry airy spot will lessen losses from mould. The first summer and autumn after planting is critical for young plants; water thoroughly during dry periods.

It is important not to overspray the orchard and kill leaf roller moth because it is considered an important pollinator for macadamias. When planted in orchard situations the trees are thinned out to allow better access to bees for pollination and also for picking.

The green vegetable bug Nezara viridula is the most serious threat piercing the nut staining the kernel and rendering it value less.

Orchard

The Macadamia nut is a native of Australia and is a member of the Proteaceae family and related to the NZ Rewarewa. Two species are grown commercially for food production Macadamia tetraphylla and Macadamia integrifolia. New Zealand provides a special opportunity to grow a clean healthy quality product. Today total world macadamia production accounts for less than 0.5% of the world trade in nuts. New Zealand produces less then 1% of this.