There are several varieties of macadamias that fall into three main categories, M.Integrifolia, M.tetraphylia and M.hybrids. The trees are usually grafted as young seedlings to achieve the optimum combination between root strength and nut quality. These seedlings are planted in orchards at locations which are ideal for sub tropical fruits like avocados, mangoes and papayas. Altitude, temperature and wind conditions play an important role in the efficiency of production. Rainfall is also important with a minimum of 1000mm of rain per year. In South Africa this requirement must often be "guaranteed" by planting under irrigation to take into account the occurrence of drought in our Country.
The tree will start bearing fruit after about 5 years growth. As an immature tree, it will only produce about 1kg of nut in shell. After 11 years of growth, the tree can be said to be reaching maturity, with full bearing potential reached at 15 years. A fully mature tree will produce about 35kg nut in shell.
The fruit is an annual crop in South Africa, forming in August ready for harvest from February through to August the following year. Like a cluster of grapes, macadamias develop on a single stylis bearing one to six fruit. The nut in shell is surrounded by a fleshy green husk, which splits when it is ripe. Unlike many fruit, the macadamia falls from the tree when mature and is harvested from the ground under the tree. The harvesting comprises continual "sweeps" by labourers walking through the orchards during the harvesting period. Fruit on one tree will mature at different times from February until August.
The farmer then removes the husk before delivering the nut in shell to the factories of Green Farms Nut Company.
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