Tropical Plant "Rough-shelled macadamia nut"
Macadamia tetraphylla

Characteristics - The rough-shelled macadamia nut is an exotic fruit bearer, native to the subtropical areas of Australia. It is similar to the common Macadamia, however, still not widely cultivated. It is an evergreen tree, 10-20 m tall. Leaves simple, 4-verticillated, coriaceous, glabrous, brilliant, 10-25 cm long, serrated margins with very few spines. Inflorescences in pendulous, axillary racemes, from 10-30 cm long, with fragrant, pink flowers that form from  July to September. Fruit dehiscent, revealing one, very hard nutshell, inside of it is the very sweet nut, considered to be one of the most delicious of the edible nuts available, they mature from January to March.

Uses - The nuts are consumed in natura or roasted, used in many dishes, both sweet and savory; they are much commercialized around the world.

Propagation - By seeds and grafting.