Ball Nut, Possum Nut
Floydia prealta

Family: Proteaceae

What it is like

A medium sized tree. It grows 15-25 m high and spreads 10-15 m wide. The crown is bushy. The bark is grey-brown. It is wrinkled and has corky pustules. The young shoots are pale green. The leaves are 10-25 cm long by 2-3 cm wide. They are alternate and sword shaped. They are dark green and shiny and have a stiff texture. The edges are wavy. The flowers are in racemes 5-12 cm long. They grow in the axils of leaves or from leafless branches. The flowers are 1.2 cm long. They are cream and like narrow tubes. The fruit are woody follicles 4-5 cm across. There are 1-2 seeds.

There is only one Floydia species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. They need well drained organically rich soil. They benefit from shade when young. They can tolerate moderate frosts. It grows in rainforest in SE Queensland and NSW in Australia. Melbourne Botanic Gardens.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, nut

How it is grown

Plants are grown from seed. Seed need to be sown fresh. Seeds take 3-6 months to germinate.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Macadamia prealta (F. Muell.) F.M. Bailey;