Queensland Nutmeg, Native nutmeg
Myristica insipida

Family: Myristicaceae

What it is like

A large spreading tree. It grows 10-20 m high. The branches spread out horizontally. The bark is tight, rough and grey-brown. The leaves are alternate and smooth. They are leathery and oval. They are 10-21 cm long by 4-8 cm wide. They are dark and glossy green on top. Underneath the leaf is paler and the midrib is raised. The tip is pointed and the leaf stalk is short and thick. The trees are separately male and female. The male flowers are small and cream. They occur in clusters in the axils of leaves. Female flowers are in smaller clusters. The fruit is oblong and smooth. The skin is thick and leathery. They are about 3-4 cm long by 1.5-2 cm wide. They are a dull yellow when ripe. They enclose a single large seed wrapped in a bright red, thread like aril.

There are about 120 Myristica species. They grow in the tropics.

Where it is found

A tropical plant. It grows in coastal areas on sand dunes. They can be in lowland forest near permanent water. It needs good drainage. In Townsville Anderson BG.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, Australia (country/location of origin), Indonesia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, SE Asia, Solomon Islands

How it is used for food

The seeds can be used as a nutmeg substitute.

Edible parts

Aril, seeds

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from fresh seed. They can also be grown from cuttings.

It is slow growing. In Australia, plants flower from February to March and fruit from September to December.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Myristica cimicifera R. Br.; and others