Proteaceae: Macadamia ternifolia F. Muell.
Source: Magness et al. 1971
The tree is a tall, tropical evergreen, native to Australia, with oblong or lanceolate leaves up to a foot long and glabrous. Fruits are near globular, up to 1.5 inches diameter. The outer covering or husk is leathery and separates readily from the shell of the nut. The shell is very hard, woody and thick. When the shell is cracked, the round kernel is free. Occasionally, 2 hemispherical kernels occur in a nut. The single kernels are about 0.5 inch in diameter, and rich in flavor.
Production in the U.S.: 2,000,000 pounds, 1959 census, but increasing. Mainly in Hawaii.
Use: Mainly eating directly. Some use in confections.
Part of plant consumed: Internal kernels only.