A study that is done by Queensland researchers suggests that most of the macadamia nuts in the world may trace back to a single or a few trees from Queensland that have been transported to Hawaii from Queensland in the 19th century.

An ABC article written by Jennifer Nichols suggests that due to the lack of diversity in the nuts’ genetics in the 3 billion trees may mean lack of immunity against diseases and climate changes.

“It was a bit of a shock to see just how narrow the gene pool was from which the Hawaiian cultivars were developed.” said Dr Cathy Nock, Southern Cross University. “They represent about 70 per cent of the trees that are grown in orchards around the world”, she added.

Read the full ABC news article here.

Share