Common Name:

General Information

Myristica malabarica is an evergreen tree growing about 25 - 30 metres tall with stilt roots[].
The tree is harvested from the wild for its seeds, which are a source of oil. Although inferior to the true nutmeg and mace, it is sometimes gathered from the wild to adulterate those spices[]. The tree is cultivated in gardens in Bombay and in some islands of the Antilles[].
The tree's swamp habitat has been extensively drained for agriculture. There is additional evidence of low seed viability because of unfavourable soil conditions and pollination difficulties. The plant is classified as 'Vulnerable' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

E. Asia - southwest India.

Habitat

Evergreen forests[]. A subcanopy tree in swamp forest and other lowland forest types[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Vulnerable
Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	25.00 m
Pollinators	Bees, Insects
Self-fertile	No
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Wild

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

The seeds and arils are used as a spice[, ]. Only slightly aromatic, it has little value as a spice[, ]. The seeds and arils are frequently harvested from wild plants and used as an adulterant of genuine nutmeg products[, ].

Medicinal

The seeds are astringent. They are roasted, ground into powder and used in the treatment of diarrhoea[].

The oil from the seed is used as an ointment to treat ulcers, ease rheumatism and allay pain[, ].

The aril has been used as a nerve tonic and to stop vomiting[].

Both the aril and the seeds have been roasted, along with unripe plantains and a little opium, in order to cure dysentery[].

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 plant has been used as a rootstock for grafting the true nutmeg, Myristica fragrans[].

An oil is obtained from the seed[]. It is used as an illuminant in lamps[, ].

The reddish-grey wood is moderately hard, but not very durable[]. It is used for construction[, ].
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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