Closely related to Myristica fragrans[].

Common Name: Papua Nutmeg

General Information

Papua nutmeg is an evergreen tree, usually growing 5 - 20 metres tall but with exceptional specimens to 40 metres[, ]. It sometimes has stilt roots[].
The tree is commonly used in the same ways as nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) as a source of nutmeg and spice. It is harvested from the wild and is also in cultivation or semi-cultivation in Papua New Guinea[, ], and has been planted in Brazil for experimental purposes[]. It is traded and used interchangeably with Myristica fragrans[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australasia - Papua New Guinea.

Habitat

Sandy clay soils in primary forests at elevations around 250 metres[]. Primary forest, sloping forest; on sandy clay over limestone[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Tree
Height	30.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Semi-cultivated

Cultivation Details

Members of this genus are mainly understorey and canopy trees of primary woodland. They need the shade of woodland, especially when young, though can often tolerate more open positions as they grow larger. They usually succeed on a range of soil types. Most species have a superficial root system and are best grown in positions sheltered from strong winds[].
Flowers are produced at the end of the branches[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

Both the seeds and the arils surrounding them are used as a spice[]. Very pungent, with the scent of methyl silicylate[]. They are used interchangeably with genuine nutmeg products from Myristica fragrans[]. These uses are as follows:-

The fleshy pericarp of immature fruits is made into jam[].

Medicinal

The nut is said to be used medicinally, especially in Java, as a substitute for Myristica fatua[, ]. These uses are as follows:-
The seeds are used in traditional medicine in the treatment of headaches and other sicknesses. They are powdered, then mixed with senna as a purgative[].

The latex is used to check nasal haemorrhage in Guadalcanal[].

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the plant is used in perfume and the soap industry[].

The red sap (kino), present in the bark of most species in this genus, can be used as a dye that gives a permanent brown stain[].

The tree is suitable for use as a rootstock for good clones of nutmeg, Myristica fragrans because of high resistance against a root disease[].

The off-white wood is very soft and easy to cut, usually not differentiated into heartwood and sapwood[].
We have no further information for this species, but the following is the general information for the wood of trees in this genus:-
The heartwood can be dark reddish brown to light yellow-brown or brown with occasional pink tinge and dark red-purple stripes; it is not clearly differentiated from the paler sapwood. A blood red core is found in some species. The grain is straight; the texture is rather fine to slightly coarse and even; somewhat lustrous; without characteristic odour or taste. Growth rings are distinct, demarcated by layers of terminal parenchyma. The wood is mostly soft or moderately hard and moderately heavy; it is not durable, but is easily treated with preservatives. The wood dries rather slowly but with little degrade, though thin stock tends to warp. It is easy to work with, but sometimes easily splitting; planning is easy, with a smooth to moderately smooth finish; drilling and turning are easy with a smooth finish; nailing properties are generally good with some tendency to splitting. A light hardwood, it is mainly used for light construction work, partitioning, flooring, wall-panelling, moulding and other types of interior finishing, and for making tool-handles, woodcrafts, match boxes and splints, packing cases, crates, and household utensils. It is also suitable for manifacturing plywood, rotary veneer and wrapping and writing papers[, ].

Propagation

Seed - dries out easily, loses its viability rapidly, and cannot be stored. It is best sown in a shaded position in a nursery seedbed - germination is usually fairly quick with the seed of most species sprouting within 2 - 17 weeks[, , ]. Grow the young plants on in a shady position, planting them out in their permanent positions when large enough.

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