macadamia [key], name for the nut of the Macadamia ternifolia, an evergreen tree native to Australia, but cultivated elsewhere, including Hawaii and South Africa. The small, edible kernel of the nut, also called Queensland nut, is white and crisp, and is eaten roasted or raw, by itself or as an ingredient in other foods. The macadamia tree is classified in the phylum Magnoliophyta, class Magnoliopsida, order Proteales, family Proteaceae.
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