Macadamia

One of the world’s rarest tree species has been transformed into a sophisticated model that University of Queensland researchers say is the future of plant research.

The global macadamia industry may have originated from a single tree taken from Queensland to Hawaii in the 19th century, according to new research. University of Queensland horticultural science researcher Dr Craig Hardner said a tree, or perhaps a couple of trees, were taken from Gympie.

Macadamias are the first – and so far only – Australian native food crop to see significant commercial development, and the home-grown nut’s flavour and nutrition attributes have generated a surge in popularity in recent decades.

Queensland’s macadamia industry is booming, with this year’s harvest expected to bring record returns for growers and the release of four new varieties that are predicted to deliver up to 30 per cent higher yields.