macadamia tree

4.7

A tree with shiny leaves that makes hard, round nuts people eat

noun
/ˌmækəˈdeɪmiə tri/

: árbol de macadamia

Farmers are beginning to plant more macadamia trees because of the growing demand for their nuts.

Examples

She learned to identify a macadamia tree by its glossy leaves and distinctive fruit.
The macadamia tree thrives in the subtropical regions of Australia and produces highly valued nuts.
The macadamia tree produces delicious nuts.
Did you see the macadamia tree in the garden?
The macadamia tree produces delicious nuts that are popular in many desserts.
Farmers in Australia cultivate the macadamia tree for its highly sought-after nuts.
The macadamia tree thrives in warm climates, making it ideal for tropical regions.

Synonyms

macadamia

vsmacadamia tree

1 5.3

A tropical tree from Australia that grows edible nuts

is the Australian native genus tree known for edible nuts

macadamia nut tree

vsmacadamia tree

4.3

A small Australian tree grown for its sweet, edible nuts

is the broader genus tree rather than that small cultivated form

Macadamia integrifolia

vsmacadamia tree

Australian

8.9

A medium-sized Australian tree that has creamy white flowers and edible nuts

is the general genus tree, not this single species

Queensland nut

vsmacadamia tree

Australian

5.9

An Australian tree that produces edible nuts and pink flowers

is the scientific genus term rather than this regional label

Macadamia tetraphylla

vsmacadamia tree

Australian

9.0

A tree that produces edible nuts and pink flowers and grows in eastern Australia

is the general nut-producing genus tree, not this bushy species

Macadamia ternifolia

vsmacadamia tree

Australian

7.7

A small Australian tree with pink flowers that makes sweet edible nuts

is the wider genus tree rather than this specific small species

Surface Forms

macadamia tree singular

macadamia trees plural

Morphology

macadamia + tree

The compound 'macadamia tree' directly denotes a tree that yields macadamia nuts; a learner who knows 'macadamia' (the nut/genus) and 'tree' can compositionally derive this meaning. This is a straightforward noun+noun type denoting a species/variety and is cross‑linguistically regular, so it is transparent to a B1 learner.

Etymology

Macadamia tree is named after John Macadam, a scientist who worked with Australian plants a long time ago. So macadamia tree simply means 'a tree that produces macadamia nuts'.