Ref: CMAC1
LATIN NAME: Macadamia integrifolia tetraphylla.
SOURCE: A cold pressed unrefined liquid oil derived from the nut.
COLOUR: Clear to cloudy .
ORIGIN: Australia and South Pacific Islands.
AROMA: Odourless.
QUALITIES:Feels similar to coconut oil. It is fine, clear to cloudy and odourless. King of nuts, sometimes known as the vanishing oil, as it absorbs very quickly into the skin. Contains around 58% oleic and 21% palmitoleic acids, is an excellent emollient, and particularly good for dry or wrinkled skin. Macadamia oil may help in the fight to prevent premature aging of skin.
Excellent hair oil and for treating dry scalp conditions. Warm the oil and massage into the scalp and hair. Wrap in a warm towel and leave for as long as possible (overnight maybe). Apply neat shampoo ( do not use water or get the hair wet) and massage well, then rinse and wash hair as usual. Use on its own or as much as you like in a basic oil blend such as Almond or Grapeseed
Named Macadamia ...after John Macadam.
A member of the Proteaceae family
General Description: Macadamia has the distinction of being the only Australian native plant to be grown as a major commercial food crop (so far!). Two species, M.integrifolia and M.tetraphylla (and their cultivars), are grown in a number of countries including the United States (Hawaii, California), southern Africa and central America. The Macadamia nut industry commenced, not in Australia but in Hawaii where the nuts have been produced since the early 1900s. The Australian industry has expanded greatly since the 1970s and commercial plantations occur from northern New South Wales to north Queensland
There are about 10 species of Macadamia , 6 of which occur in Australia with the remainder being found in New Caledonia. Surprisingly, given the edible characteristics of M.integrifolia and M.tetraphylla , the nuts of some of the other species are poisonous
M.integrifolia is a small to medium sized tree to about 15 metres with a bushy habit. The glossy leaves are oblong in shape to about 200mm long by 100 mm wide and often have wavy margins. Flowers are white and occur in pendulous racemes up to 300 mm long, usually in winter and spring. They are often hidden among the foliage. The fruits are globular and about 25 - 35 mm diameter. They have a hard, green outer layer and an extremely hard inner shell which protects the kernel
Even if it did not produce an edible nut, M.integrifolia would still be cultivated for its attractive, ornamental habit. It has proven to be hardy in a range of climates and soils but prefers good drainage and humus-rich soils. It will flower and set fruit in much cooler areas than its natural habitat. It is troubled by few pests and will tolerate moderate frosts
Propagation from seed is relatively easy - the seed should be sown when fresh. Cuttings are also successful but vegetative propagation is usually carried out by grafting or budding of select forms onto seedlings.