View source for Macadamia ternifolia

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|genus=Macadamia
|species=ternifolia
|Min ht metric=cm
|Temp Metric=°F
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Macadamia ternifolia, F. Muell. Queensland Nut. Fig. 2241. In its typical form this is a tall tree, with dense foliage, the young branches and infl. minutely pubescent: lvs. sessile or nearly so, glabrous and shining, in whorls of 3 or 4, oblong or lanceolate, acute or obtuse, serrate or entire, from a few inches to 1 ft. long: racemes almost as long as the lvs.; perianth minutely pubescent or glabrous; ovary villous, style end clavate: fr. with a 2- valved leathery exocarp, endocarp smooth and shining, thick and very hard; seeds 1 and globular or 2 and hemispherical. Queensland and New S. Wales. G.C. 1870: 1181.—Other species are M, Whelanii, Bailey, Queensland, a medium-sized tree; M. prealta, Bailey, Queensland, sometimes lofty, wood of reddish color, useful for cabinet-work, as is that of nearly all species; M. Lowii, Bailey, Queensland, the Maroochie nut, tree 15- 20 ft. high, forming 6-20 woody sts. from a hard, spreading rhizome, and with a pointed, ribbed fr. about 1 in. diam., edible; M. minor, Bailey, Queensland, the small-fruited Queensland nut, small tree or large shrub, sending up numerous sts. from base, lvs. up to 2 in. long, fr. up to 1 in. diam., velvety outside, sometimes inversely conical in form, edible.—The Queensland nut is cult, to a small extent in S. Calif, and S. Fla., and has recently fruited in Cuba, where it appears to thrive. It is slow in growth, rarely coming into bearing before 6-8 years of age, and delights in a deep rich loamy soil, containing plenty of moisture. It has succeeded in Calif., however, with very little water, though its growth under such conditions is naturally slower. Several distinct forms of the tree are thought to exist, but the typical one is upright, sometimes 50 ft. in height, with a clean trunk and a deep green umbrageous head of foliage. The nuts are about 1 in. diam., with a hard shell about 1/8 in. thick, which is rather difficult to crack. The kernel is ½ in. or more in diam., white, crisp, and of a flavor resembling that of the Brazil nut (Bertholletia excelsa) but milder and more delicate. The tree is evergreen, and even while young withstands slight frosts (perhaps 26° F.) uninjured. For its ornamental appearance alone it is worthy of a place in parks and gardens. Its close-grained reddish timber is considered of value for cabinet-making. Prop. is usually by seeds, which may be stratified in sand or planted singly in pots of light, porous, sandy soil. If planted during the summer or if artificial heat is provided they will usually germinate within a month or 6 weeks; otherwise they may take a long time. When the seedlings make their appearance water should be given sparingly, as they are likely to damp-off if kept too wet. Plants may be set out in the open ground when about 18 in. high, and should be staked to keep them shapely. Practically no pruning is required. A promising tree for intro. into the American tropics and the warmest parts of the U. S.
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