Brazilian Nutmeg
Cryptocarya moschata

Family: Lauraceae

What it is like

A large tree. It grows 11-30 m tall in forests but is shorter in open sunny positions. The trunk is cylinder shaped and 8-200 cm wide. The bark is flaky and and yellowish brown. The leaves are alternate and narrowly sword shaped. They are 4-16 cm long by 2-7 cm wide. The flower are pale yellow to green. The fruit can be oval or round. They are 2-4 cm long by 1-3 cm wide.

There are about 200-250 Cryptocarya species.

Where it is found

A tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Brazil, South America, Venezuela

How it is used for food

It is used as a spice. It is a substitute for nutmeg.

Edible parts

Seeds, bark, spice

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Bataia, Canela-fogo, Canela-noz, Canela-nhutinga

Synonyms

Cryptocarya moschata f. angustifolia Mez;