Myristica cinnamomea
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W.A. Djatmiko (Wie146) (via Wikimedia Commons)
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Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
Summary
Source: WikipediaMyristica cinnamomea is a species of flowering plant in the nutmeg family, Myristicaceae. It is found in Sumatra, Peninsular Malaysia, Singapore and Borneo.
Description
A tree. It grows 20-25 m tall. The stem is 25 cm across. The bark is dark brown to grey. The twigs are slender and have fine scales over them. The leaves are thin and leathery. The leaf stalk is 1.5 cm long. The leaf blade is oblong to sword shaped and 15-20 cm long by 6-7 cm wide. They are silvery brown underneath. It has male and female flowers on separate trees. The flowering sections are short and about 1 cm long. The flowers are 6 mm long. The fruit is oval and 7-9 cm long by 5 cm wide. They are rusty brown with a scale like pattern. The outer layer is thick. The seed has a thin red covering or aril.
Edible Uses
The aromatic seed is used as a spice in the same way as nutmeg. The rusty-brown, scurfy ovoid fruit is 7 - 9cm long and 5cm wide with a thick pericarp. It covers a single large seed that is covered with a thin, red, laciniate aril.
Distribution
It is a tropical plant. It grows in the lowlands and low hills. It can grow up to 1000 m altitude.
Where It Grows
Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Pacific, Philippines, SE Asia, Singapore,
Cultivation
Members of this genus are mainly understorey and canopy trees of primary woodland. They need the shade of woodland, especially when young, though can often tolerate more open positions as they grow larger. They usually succeed on a range of soil types. Most species have a superficial root system and are best grown in positions sheltered from strong winds. Plants can flower and produce fruit all year round. Flowers are produced at the end of the branches. A dioecious species, both male and female forms need to be grown if seed is required.
Propagation
Seed - dries out easily, loses its viability rapidly, and cannot be stored. It is best sown in a shaded position in a nursery seedbed - germination is usually fairly quick with the seed of most species sprouting within 2 - 17 weeks. Grow the young plants on in a shady position, planting them out in their permanent positions when large enough.
Other Uses
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. We have no information for this species, but the following is the general information for the wood of trees in this genus:- The heartwood can be dark reddish brown to light yellow-brown or brown with occasional pink tinge and dark red-purple stripes; it is not clearly differentiated from the paler sapwood. A blood red core is found in some species. The grain is straight; the texture is rather fine to slightly coarse and even; somewhat lustrous; without characteristic odour or taste. Growth rings are distinct, demarcated by layers of terminal parenchyma. The wood is mostly soft or moderately hard and moderately heavy; it is not durable, but is easily treated with preservatives. The wood dries rather slowly but with little degrade, though thin stock tends to warp. It is easy to work with, but sometimes easily splitting; planning is easy, with a smooth to moderately smooth finish; drilling and turning are easy with a smooth finish; nailing properties are generally good with some tendency to splitting. A light hardwood, it is mainly used for light construction work, partitioning, flooring, wall-panelling, moulding and other types of interior finishing, and for making tool-handles, woodcrafts, match boxes and splints, packing cases, crates, and household utensils. It is also suitable for manifacturing plywood, rotary veneer and wrapping and writing papers.
Also Known As
Pendarah, Mendarah, Pala bukit, Maiang pahong
References (3)
- Burkill, I.H., 1966, A Dictionary of the Economic Products of the Malay Peninsula. Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Vol 2 (I-Z) p 1549
- PROSEA handbook Volume 13 Spices. p 258
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
