Gymnacranthera canarica
(King) Warb.
Kanara nutmeg
iNaturalist· cc-by-sa
(c) Dinesh Valke, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
iNaturalist· cc-by-sa
(c) Dinesh Valke, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA)
Summary
Source: WikipediaGymnacranthera canarica is a species of flowering plant in the family Myristicaceaeendemic to India. This tree is also known by local names Undappayin in Kerala and Hedehagalu in Karnataka.
Description
A tree. It grows 25 m tall. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The branches are at right angles to the trunk. The leaves are simple and alternate. The leaf blade is 11-26 cm long by 4-10 cm wide. Male and female flowers are separate. The female flowers are larger and in groups in the axils of leaves. The fruit is a round capsule 3 cm across. There is one round seed.
Edible Uses
Oil is extracted from the fruit.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It grows in swamps.
Where It Grows
Asia, India,
Propagation
Seed - 40% of seed germinates without pre-treatment, this can be increased to around 60% by removing the seed coat prior to sowing.
Other Uses
An oil obtained from the seed is used for making candles. The reddish brown wood is used for making tea chests.
Notes
There are about 120 Myristica species. They grow in the tropics.
Synonyms
Also Known As
Hedehagalu, Pindi, Pindikai, Pintikkaya, Undai panu, Undippanu
References (3)
- Ambasta, S.P. (Ed.), 2000, The Useful Plants of India. CSIR India. p 251
- Heywood, V.H., Brummitt, R.K., Culham, A., and Seberg, O. 2007, Flowering Plant Families of the World. Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew. p 224 (As Gymnacranthera farquhariana)
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
