Beaumont (Macadamia)

Beaumont is a hybrid macadamia (Macadamia integrifolia × M. tetraphylla) and the most widely grown commercial variety in NZ — named after Australian Dr J.H. Beaumont. Produces medium to large, rich and buttery nuts with good flavour and a shell that is easier to crack than most macadamia varieties. One of the quickest varieties to come into bearing, typically producing a useful crop by year 4 and up to 18kg per tree by year 8. Impressive grape-like nut clusters. Note: nuts must be picked by hand — they do not drop when ripe. Upright, ornamental evergreen tree to 5m×4m with striking red-maroon new foliage and bright pink spring flowers. Self-fertile but significantly more productive with Maroochy or Nelmak as a cross-pollinator. Protect from frost when young. Important: macadamias are toxic to dogs.