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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) |
|---|---|
| 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 |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils, Acidic (low pH) Soils |
| 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 | Unisexual Flowers , Dioecious |
| Flower Colour(s) | White |
|---|
| Flower Size - Remarks | Small, inconspicuous |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Cream / Off-White, Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Fleshy Fruit , 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. |
