8 by Kate Heffernan Honorary Life Member Friends of GCRBG, Botanic Garden Consultant Exported the world over, and a feature of Australian cuisine in the finest restaurants, the Macadamia has its origins all around us on the Gold Coast. All four regional species grow naturally in the wild landscapes of South East Queensland. Two species, the edible Macadamia integrifolia, and M.tetraphylla, grow in either the drier rainforests of places like Nicholls Scrub in Currumbin Valley, Tamborine Mountain, on Beechmont Plateau and just across the border into New South Wales at Bilambil and Mullumbimby. They also grew in littoral rainforests near beaches, but development has accounted for the demise of most coastal forms. The inedible M. ternifolia was first collected by Ludwig Leichhardt in the Conondale Ranges in 1843. All three species are listed as Vulnerable in the wild. Discovered a few decades ago, a fourth species, Macadamia jansenii is limited to one national park near Gympie. It is a poisonous form and is Critically Endangered in the wild. Both Walter Hill, Director of Brisbane Botanic Gardens and Ferdinand Von Mueller, Director of Melbourne Botanic Gardens, are credited with collecting Macadamia integrifolia in 1857. It was named for fellow scientist and academic John Macadam. The title ‘nut’ comes about because of their similarity in texture to other nuts. They are botanically a follicle, not a nut. The ‘nut’ is inside an extremely hard shell, which is released from an outer green husk. First Nation people of the region, including the Kabi Kabi, Yugambeh, Bundjalung and Kombumerri had separate names for the nuts, including Bauphil, Boomberra, and Jindilli. There are records and stories of these groups treating them as a delicacy. The first planting of a Macadamia for growing fruit was planted at what is now Brisbane City Botanic Gardens in 1858 by the first Director, Walter Hill. It remains growing over 160 years later. The first plantations were established in the 1880’s. Macadamia trees are an attractive flowering tree with racemes of either pink or cream/white flowers. They require space, excellent drainage and are best suited to larger yards. Grafted forms are preferred, and where there is space, it’s wisest to plant two separate hybrids for better pollination. Two species and hybrid forms are grown and harvested by over 700 Australian farmers for domestic and export markets. As a food, Macadamias are high in fibre, minerals and vitamins, and are rich in monounsaturated and healthy fats. The Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens feature several macadamia trees in its Endangered Plants Trail and Fruits of the Forest Collection. Gold Coast Regional Botanic Gardens - Rosser Park, 230 Ashmore Rd, Benowa Gardening Macadamia Macadamia fruiting Macadamia tertraphylla Macadamia integrifolia 0417 294 778 A Touch of Grass Garden Care GARDEN CLEANUPS / REJUVENATION & MAKEOVERS A SPECIALTY We offer an experienced, professional and reliable service Call Jeremy on ... Est. Gold Coast since 2001 Let us create your new and rejuvenated garden where you can sit back, relax and enjoy your tranquil surroundings ... Specialising Garden Makeovers & Rejuvenation * Garden Care * Plant Selection * Soft Landscaping
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