Bush nut, Queensland nut
This is a small to medium sized, slow growing, tree reaching around 30 feet in height in its native rainforests in Queensland and New South Wales, Australia. It is therefore not something to be attempted outside the greenhouse or conservatory in the UK except in the very mildest seaside locations.
M. integrifolia has long, glossy leaves with wavy leaf margins. They are 8 inches long and up to 4 inches wide in maturity. The flower spikes are creamy white or pink followed by woody, edible, rounded fruits within which are creamy-white nuts.
These trees are grown commercially for their nuts, but they do make interesting ornamental and architectural shrubs in a greenhouse, or in a large patio container, which is then brought inside into a frost free environment for the winter.
M. integrifolia prefer acidic to neutral soil, good drainage and a hot, sunny location.
