Myristica womersleyi

J. Sinclair

Myristicaceae Edible: Seeds, Spice

gbif· cc0

President and Fellows of Harvard College

Description

A tree. It grows up to 27 m tall. It has a rusty covering on the twigs. The leaves are oblong and 14-20 cm long by 6-9 cm wide. They have brown hairs underneath. The leaf stalk is 1.3 cm long. The fruit is round and 6-9 cm across. It has brown hairs. The seed is round and 5 cm across. It has a strong smell.

Edible Uses

The seed and aril are very aromatic, retaining their spicy odour even after being in a herbarium for five years. They are, perhaps, even more aromatic than the true nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) and a possible source of spice and oil. Fruit globose, 6-9 cm in diameter, brown-haired, on a stalk 0.5 cm long. Seed globose, 5 cm in diameter, strongly aromatic; aril divided into numerous narrow segments.

Traditional Uses

The nut has possible uses as a spice.

This uses section is brief — help expand it

Distribution

A tropical plant. It grows in Papua New Guinea between 800-2300 m altitude.

Where It Grows

Asia, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, PNG,

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. 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 on the wood 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.