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Myristica guatteriifolia

A. DC.

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Myristica guatteriifolia is a species of plant in the family Myristicaceae. It is a tree found in Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and Vietnam.

Description

A tree, It grows 10-25 m tall. It can have buttresses. The leaves are 15-35 m long by 3-12 cm wide. There are 3 fruit in a group.

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Distribution

It is a tropical plant. It grows from sea level to 400 m above sea level.

Where It Grows

Asia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, SE Asia, Vietnam,

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. Plants can flower and produce fruit all year round.

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. A source of penarhan timber. The wood is used for timber. We have no further 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.

Synonyms

Myristica cookii Warb.Myristica litoralis Miq.Myristica palawanensis Merr.Myristica riedelii Warb.Palala guatteriifolia (A. Dc.) KuntzePalala litoralis (Miq.) Kuntze

Also Known As

Pala hutan

References (2)

  • Trimanto, & Hapsari L., 2016, Botanical survey in thirteen montane forests of Bawean Island Nature Reserve, East Java Indonesia: Conservation status, bioprospecting and potential tourism. Biodiversitas 17: 832-846.
  • World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew

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