 Monodora myristica
Family: Annonaceae
Calabash Nutmeg, Jamaica Nutmeg
Origin: West Africa
small tree 10-20 ft
This medium to large size tree has a lush crown. Huge, oblong
leaves are particularly handsome. They emerge purple and turn deep
green, with metallic green underneath. It is one of the most
renowned tropical species for its fragrant blooms that are
unsurpassed in beauty and originality. Like festive decorations,
these curious flowers dangle on long, sturdy cords, which are
actually modified twigs. They abort if flower is not fertilized, or
thicken and become woody if it is. The flowers are havily waxy.
Somewhat reminiscent of an orchid, the arching, yellowing calyx
lobes are crysply frilled, margins edged and splotched with deep
red, while the petals are paler with purplish red spots. Flowers
evolve into large, woody syncarp fruit that is filled with aromatic
pulp. The large, pungent seeds embedded within are used like nutmeg
to flavor food, or are roasted, ground, and applied to heal wounds
or to the forehead to relief headaches. Root is chewed to releive
toothaches. Beetle polinated.
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