Fruit growth of Macadamia integrifolia Maiden & Betche cv Keauhou in the Transvaal Lowveld

Abstract

The morphological changes of the fruit of Macadamia integrifolia, from fruit set to fruit ripening, were studied and the growth phases of the fruit are described. The length of the fruit growth period, from full bloom to fruit ripening, was 31 weeks and the growth period is divided into three stages. During Stage I, which lasted 2 weeks, the zygote was dormant. Stage II is the seed development period, which lasted 12 weeks. Stage III is the ripening period, which occurred over 17 weeks.