About Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche
Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche, commonly known as smooth-shell macadamia, is a tree species that reaches up to 15 metres (49 ft) in height. Its leaves are simple, oblong, glossy, with entire wavy margins; they grow to 20 centimetres (8 in) long and 10 centimetres (3.9 in) wide. It produces white or pink flowers, which develop into woody, edible, rounded fruits 2–3.5 cm (0.8–1.4 in) in diameter. This species is native to rainforests of southeast Queensland and the extreme adjacent northern region of New South Wales, Australia. It has been introduced to Mexico, where it grows successfully in the states of Michoacán and Jalisco. The trees can survive in USDA hardiness zones 10 and 11. In its native Australia, trees of this species can be infected by fungal pathogens from the genera Neopestalotiopsis and Pestalotiopsis, both members of the Sporocadaceae family; these pathogens cause flower blight. Macadamia integrifolia is only rarely cultivated for ornamental purposes.
