Status:
valid
Authors:
Houtt.
Source:
cmp
Year:
1774
Citation Micro:
Nat. Hist. 2(3): 333 (1774)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000447317
Common Names
- Fragrans Nutmeg
- Fragrant Nutmeg
- True Nutmeg
Synonyms
- Myristica aromatica Lam. [unknown]
Description
Myristica fragrans (also called Nutmeg, among many other common names) is a species of flowering plant in the family Myristicaceae. It is a small tree, reaching a height of up to 15 m. It is native to India, and its natural habitats are subtropical or tropical moist lowland forests.
Uses & Benefits
Myristica fragrans, commonly known as nutmeg, is used in culinary dishes, as a flavoring agent, and for its medicinal properties. It is known to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiseptic properties, and is used to treat digestive issues, skin problems, and even depression.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Myristica fragrans has yellow flowers with a red center. The seeds are small and black, and the seedlings have long, narrow leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Myristica fragrans is a shrub or small tree that can be propagated by seed, cuttings, or layering. It prefers full sun and moist, well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate some frost. It can be grown in containers or in the ground.
Where to Find Myristica fragrans
Myristica fragrans can be found in tropical regions of South America, including Peru, Brazil, and Bolivia.
Myristica fragrans FAQ
What is the scientific name of Myristica fragrans?
Myristica fragrans
What is the common name of Myristica fragrans?
Nutmeg
Where is Myristica fragrans found?
Southeast Asia
Species in the Myristicaceae family
Bicuiba oleifera,
Brochoneura usambarensis,
Coelocaryon botryoides,
Coelocaryon oxycarpum,
Coelocaryon preussii,
Coelocaryon sphaerocarpum,
Compsoneura anoriensis,
Compsoneura atopa,
Compsoneura capitellata,
Compsoneura claroensis,
Compsoneura cuatrecasasii,
Compsoneura debilis,
Compsoneura diazii,
Compsoneura excelsa,
Compsoneura lapidiflora,
Compsoneura mexicana,
Compsoneura mutisii,
Compsoneura racemosa,
Compsoneura rigidifolia,
Compsoneura schultesiana,
Compsoneura sprucei,
Compsoneura trianae,
Compsoneura ulei,
Doyleanthus arillata,
Endocomia canarioides,
Endocomia macrocoma,
Endocomia rufirachis,
Endocomia virella,
Gymnacranthera bancana,
Gymnacranthera canarica,
Gymnacranthera contracta,
Gymnacranthera farquhariana,
Gymnacranthera forbesii,
Gymnacranthera maliliensis,
Gymnacranthera ocellata,
Haematodendron glabrum,
Horsfieldia ampla,
Horsfieldia ampliformis,
Horsfieldia amplomontana,
Horsfieldia amygdalina,
Horsfieldia androphora,
Horsfieldia angularis,
Horsfieldia aruana,
Horsfieldia atjehensis,
Horsfieldia australiana,
Horsfieldia basifissa,
Horsfieldia borneensis,
Horsfieldia brachiata,
Horsfieldia carnosa,
Horsfieldia clavata,