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Myristica fragrans Houtt.
| Family Name: | Myristicaceae |
| Common Name: | Nutmeg, Pokok Pala, Buah Pala, Pala, 玉果, 肉果 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Tree (Small (6m-15m)) |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Irregular |
| Maximum Height | 10 |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Moluccas |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Primary Rainforest) |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Others - Plant Morphology | Tree, up to 10 m (rarely 20 m) height. Leaves fragrant when crushed. Flowers, inconspicuous, yellow, no petals; dioecious species (separate male and female plants). Fruits surrounded by aromatic yellowish husk, contain seed kernel (nutmeg) and aromatic red lacy aril (mace). Seeds take 1 to 2 months to germinate. Plant prefers well-drained, acidic loamy soils. Fruit husk processed into preserved fruits and jellies. Nutmeg and mace used as culinary spice. Also used to treat rheumatism and diarrhoea. Believed to have aphrodisiac properties. |
|---|---|
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts (Edible Fruits, Edible Seeds) Food (Herb and Spice) Cultural / Religious ( Heritage Tree : There are 2 individuals of Myristica fragrans listed as Heritage Trees in Singapore. They are found in Singapore Botanic Gardens. To find out more about these trees, please visit the Heritage Tree Register. ) [Others]: Nutmeg (seed) and mace (aril) used as spice. Nutmeg used to treat rheumatism and diarrhoea. Fruit husk processed into preserved fruit and jelly. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Fragrant (Flowers, Foliage, Fruits) (Time Independent) |
|---|---|
| Plant & Rootzone Preference - Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Acidic (low pH) Soils |
| Landscape Uses | General |
| Thematic Landscaping | Economic Garden, Naturalistic Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Bird Attracting |
|---|---|
| Seed or Spore Dispersal | Biotic (Fauna) (Seeds dispersed by Nutmeg Pigeons ( Ducula spp.) in Moluccas) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Semi-Shade, Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Slow |
| Maintenance Requirements | Moderate |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting, Grafting |
| Propagation Method Remarks | Seeds take 1 to 2 months to germinate. |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Typical Foliar Area | Microphyll ( 2.25cm2 - 20.25 cm2 ) |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 3.0 (Tree - Intermediate Canopy) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Trunk Type (Non Palm) | Woody |
|---|---|
| Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
| Root Type | Underground (Tap Root, Fibrous Root) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality 1 | Unisexual Flowers |
|---|---|
| Flower & Plant Sexuality 2 | Dioecious |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
| Flower Size - Remarks | Small, inconspicuous |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) - Angiosperms and Gymnosperms | Cream / Off-White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type 1 | Fleshy Fruit |
| Fruit Type 2 | Drupe |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 1744 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 3037 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
