If you are fortunate enough to have grown up eating macadamias from your own tree, then you may be a little bemused that your humble childhood treat has attained ‘World Gift’ status as asserted by Ian McConachie in his new book.
There is so much still to learn about macadamias. Many people have never seen a macadamia nut, never mind eaten one. Many Australians do not know that macadamias come from an Australian tree or that there are actually four species of macadamia, all threatened with extinction.
Ian McConachie takes a systematic approach to removing the mystique and myth from the origins of the macadamia. The book details the evolution and habitat of macadamias – yes, they evolved here in SEQ and northern NSW. He considers the relationship of Australia’s Indigenous peoples with macadamias, and he traces the experiences of early European botanists and pioneering farmers in the nineteenth century.
Ian outlines the establishment of a macadamia industry and how new machines had to be invented to crack them. He describes how macadamias have spread to over 40 countries and offers ideas and insights for the growing macadamia industry. Importantly, and of relevance to many Land for Wildlife members who have wild macadamias growing on their properties, this book discusses the need to protect wild macadamias and their habitats. Throughout, Ian’s knowledge, research and lived experiences are on full display with an easy storytelling style driven by enthusiasm and a sense of humour.
The great value in this book is the assemblage of knowledge, now recorded for posterity, by the only man capable of doing so. Only Ian has keenly researched all things historical about macadamias from old documents to Aboriginal lore. Ian has been a very active pioneer in the industry’s development and a driving force behind conservation of wild macadamias and their habitats.
Wild macadamias needed a conservation champion. The macadamia industry needed pioneers. We who love and eat macadamias needed someone to tell this great story. There is only one man with the knowledge and passion to do all this and this is his book – Ian’s gift to the macadamia world.
Review by Ken Dorey
Big Scrub Landcare and Macadamia Conservation Trust
restorer of rainforests and macadamia farmer.