This species has been confused with Myristica dactyloides Gaertn., in the past and has often been included in it. However, recent research has confirmed its status as a distinct species[].

Common Name:

General Information

Myristica beddomei is a large evergreen tree[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for loacal use as a condiment, medicine and source of wood.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southern India.

Habitat

A sub-canopy tree in evergreen forest at elevations from 1,000 - 1,500 metres[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	0.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

A plant of the moist, seasonal tropics where it can be found at elevations from 1,000 - 1,500 metres. It is found in an area where the mean annual temperature is around 24°c, with a mean minimum temperature ranging from 14 - 19°c and a maximum temperature ranging from 17 - 28°c. The area experiences a mean annual rainfall that can be in excess of 3,500mm, with two distinct dry seasons[].
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[].
Female plants usually fruit in alternate years[].
A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.

Edible Uses

The aril is used as a spice[].

Medicinal

The aril is used medicinally[].

Other Uses

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 seed contains up to 24% of a light yellow fat[].

The heartwood is a light reddish-brown; it is not clearly demarcated from the sapwood. The wood is moderately hard. It is used for making tea chests[].
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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