Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia

F. Muell

Ivory Silky Oak, Red Bopple Nut

Proteaceae Edible: Kernel, Seeds, Nuts Potential hazards — see below 283 iNaturalist observations

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Summary

Hicksbeachia pinnatifolia is a small tree in the family Proteaceae. Common names include red bopple nut, monkey nut, red nut, beef nut, rose nut and ivory silky oak. The tree produces fleshy, red fruits during spring and summer. The rare species is native to subtropical rainforest in parts of Australia. The seeds are edible.

Description

An evergreen tree. It grows 2-7 m high and spreads 1.5-4 m wide. It has many stems. The bark is light brown and wrinkled. It is corky. The leaves are up to 1 m long. The leaves are deeply divided. There are 10-35 lobes. They are leathery. The leaflets are unevenly toothed and have prickles. The flowers are in purple spikes. These occur on the old wood. The fruit is 5 cm across. They are blue to bright red and fleshy. They contain an edible pink kernel.

Edible Uses

The kernels of the nuts are eaten and are best roasted, which also destroys any cyanide that may be present.

Traditional Uses

The kernels of the nuts are eaten. They are best roasted. (They can contain cyanide that is destroyed in cooking.)

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Medicinal Uses

The seed is edible, though not as valued as that of its relative the macadamia. It is not commercially cultivated but is sometimes grown as an ornamental tree. It can be difficult to establish in the garden. Germination from fresh seed is reliable with a high percentage of success. However, many juveniles soon die of fungal disease. Alexander Floyd recommends adding original leaf litter from beneath the parent tree to promote beneficial anti-fungal micro-organisms.

Known Hazards

The kernels can contain cyanide, which is destroyed through cooking.

Distribution

It grows in warm temperate climates. It can grow in the tropics and subtropics. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in full sun or light shade. It can stand light frosts. It grows in coastal regions. It cannot tolerate drought. It suits hardiness zones 9-12. Coffs Harbour Botanical Gardens.

Where It Grows

Australia*,

Cultivation

Plants are difficult to grow. Seed need to be sown when very fresh.

Production

Plants are slow growing. Trees start to bear at 7 years of age.

Notes

There are 2 Hicksbeachia species.

Nutrition

Part	Moisture	kJ	kcal	Protein	Vit A	Vit C	Iron	Zinc
Nuts	61	666	159	3.8	—	—	2.3	0.6

Also Known As

Australian rosenut, Beefnut, Monkey nut, Red applenut

References (35)

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Blomberry, A.M., 1979, Australian Native Plants. Angus and Robertson p 172
Bodkin, F., 1991, Encyclopedia Botanica. Cornstalk publishing, p 559 (As Hicksbeachia pinnatifida)
Cherikoff V. & Isaacs, J., The Bush Food Handbook. How to gather, grow, process and cook Australian Wild Foods. Ti Tree Press, Australia p 157, 192
Cribb, A.B. & J.W., 1976, Wild Food in Australia, Fontana. p 87

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