SUBTOPIC=Characteristics of Macadamia tetraphylla
– Tree in the family Proteaceae
– Native to southern Queensland and northern New South Wales in Australia
– Common names include macadamia nut, bauple nut, prickly macadamia, Queensland nut, rough-shelled bush nut, and rough-shelled Queensland nut
– Grows up to 18 meters in height
– Leaves are 7 to 25 cm in length with toothed margins
SUBTOPIC=Global Expansion of Macadamia tetraphylla
– Introduced to Mexico and grown in Michoacán and Jalisco
– Major exporter from Hawaii
– Not successful in pure tropics, with most successful plantations at 19 to 22 degrees north
– Commercially grown in Guatemala at 15 degrees north
– Higher sugar content than integrifolia species
SUBTOPIC=Historical Significance of Macadamia tetraphylla
– First Australian native food plant grown commercially by non-indigenous Australians
– First commercial plantation established in the early 1880s by Charles Staff
– Vulnerable species in native Australia due to habitat loss and degradation
– Habitat loss from clearance of lowland rainforest and urban development
– Spread worldwide in commercial agriculture
SUBTOPIC=Health Benefits of Macadamia tetraphylla
– High in monounsaturated fatty acids (approximately 86%)
– Linked to reduced cholesterol in the blood
– FDA-approved health claim for reducing the risk of coronary heart disease
– Eating 1.5 ounces per day may have health benefits
– Not meeting the rigorous standard of significant scientific agreement
SUBTOPIC=References for Macadamia tetraphylla
– IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
– Department of Environment & Climate Change NSW
– Cultivos alternativos en México publication
– Threatened Species Scientific Committee conservation advice
– FDA review of qualified health claim petition