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Myristica fragrans Houtt.

Synonym                    : Myristica aromatic Lam.

Family                        : Myristicaceae

Local Names              : Jathikka, Jathi, Nutmeg tree, Mace tree  

Flowering and fruiting period: December – August

Distribution: Native of East Moluccas

Habitat: Cultivated

IUCN status: Data Deficient

Endemic: No

Uses: The seeds and arils are used as a spice. Nutmeg is also said to have stimulant, carminative and aphrodisiac properties. The seed is taken internally in the treatment of diarrhoea, dysentery, vomiting, abdominal distension, indigestion and colic. Externally, the seed is used to treat toothache, rheumatic and abdominal pains (including labour pains). The seed is used in Ayurveda to treat poor digestion, insomnia, urinary incontinence and premature ejaculation. The red sap (kino), present in the bark of most species in this genus, can be used as a dye that gives a permanent brown stain.

Key Characters: Evergreen dioecious trees, to 8 m high; bark black; branches horizontal. Leaves simple, alternate; lamina elliptic, elliptic-lanceolate, margin entire,. Flowers unisexual, yellow; male flowers: in axillary cymes; perianth 3-lobed, tawny villous; stamens 9-12; female flowers: urceolate, larger than the male, few in axillary cymes; pedicels drooping; bracts deciduous; perianth 3-lobed; ovary superior, ovoid, 1-celled, 1-ovuled. Fruit a capsule, yellow; aril red, lacinate; seed brown.