Common Name:

General Information

Myristica succedanea is an evergreen tree with a pyramidal crown; it can grow 8 - 20 metres tall. The tree has a very straight, clear bole, which can be up to 15 metres long, usually with stilt roots[, ].
The tree yields a seed and aril similar, but inferior, to the genuine nutmeg and mace. It has been cultivated as a spice in the past, probably mainly for local use[, ].
The plant is classified as 'Near Threatened' in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species(2013)[].

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

Southeast Asia - Indonesia in the Moluccas.

Habitat

Lowland and montane forest; forest with little undergrowth on level places on ridge; deep clayey soil, bedrock grey schists; steep slopes or ravines; at elevations from sea level to 1,100 metres[].

Properties

Conservation Status	Near Threatened
Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Tree
Height	15.00 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.
The nuts are quite aromatic and the tree was formerly cultivated to a small extent by the inhabitants of the Northern Moluccas, probably mostly for their own use. They made little profit for the trees did not produce any great quantity of fruit and the nuts are smaller than those of the genuine nutmeg (Myristica fragrans). The Dutch political administrators
ordered all the trees to be cut down so as to keep the true nutmeg pure. Even if Myristica fragrans and succedanea
did hybridize spontaneously in nature, the chance that succedanea would threaten the trade in the commercial product must have been remote. Such vandalism in exterminating an interesting and useful species is to be deplored,
but fortunately H. J. Lam in 1926 found wild material of this species on Gunong Mala-Mala in Tidore. Which goes to show that their diabolical acts did not altogether succeed[].

Edible Uses

The seeds and arils are aromatic. Although somewhat smaller, they have been used as a spice in a similar manner to nutmeg and mace[, , ]. The small seeds have a very pleasant smell and are used in the same way as genuine nutmeg[].

Medicinal

None known

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 tree has been tried as a rootstock for nutmeg (Myristica fragrans)[].

We have no information on the wood 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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Captcha: if i have 3 bananas, and i eat them all, how many bananas did i just eat?