Nutmeg tree , hold dear for their aromatic seeds and vibrant mace , are tropical evergreens that lend exotic allure to gardens and plantations . aboriginal to the Moluccas of Indonesia , these trees thrive in hot , humid climates , farm pear tree - shaped fruits that yield the prized nutmeg seeded player and its red aril . idolise in cuisine worldwide , from savory dishes to festive desserts , they hold ethnical significance , notably in Grenada , where nutmeg graces the national flag . Their glossy leaf and fragrant heyday add cosmetic value to tropical landscape .

Growing 30–60 feet marvellous , nutmeg tree trees are dioecious , requiring both male and female plants for fruit production , which start after 7–9 years and bloom at 20–25 years . They flourish in USDA zones 10–12 , involve well - debilitate , loamy soil , high humidity , and reproducible wet . Partial shade from companion crop like banana tree or cocoa protects young trees , while full sun boosts fruiting in maturity . Their long lifetime , up to 100 years , makes them a sustainable choice for tropical agroforestry .

Cultivating nutmeg trees demands patience , as fresh seeds must be establish immediately , and pollenation relies on a distaff - to - male ratio . Harvested when fruits split , nutmegs are dried for weeks , while mace is processed separately , both offering culinary versatility . The tree diagram ’ shallow roots stabilise grime , and their canopy support biodiversity by attracting pollinators like mallet . However , pests like fruit rot involve vigilant direction with constitutional resolution .

Myristica fragrans Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree offer more than spice ; their essential oil are used in perfumes and traditional medicinal drug for digestive and botheration relief , though high doses can be toxic . Their cultivation supports carbon sequestration , heighten environmental wellness . Gardeners must protect seeds from pets due to toxicity . Intercropping with coffee or vanilla extract maximise res publica use , creating vibrant , productive ecosystems .

To grow nutmeg trees , plant life in prolific , loamy soil with a pH of 5.5–7.5 , ensure 60 + inches of yearly rain . blank Tree 30–40 feet apart , mulch to retain wet , and clip lightly to boost fruit . Whether in a tropical garden or nursery , nutmeg tree trees honour dedication with 10 of spicery and beauty , tie growers to a copious ball-shaped inheritance .

Why Nutmeg Trees Are a Tropical Treasure

nutmeg tree tree are more than just spice producers ; they ’re evergreen marvels that thrive in live , humid clime , offering glossy foliage , fragrant prime , and eatable yield . Typically growing 30–60 feet tall , these dioecious trees ( with disjoined male and distaff plants ) need careful culture , as only female trees bear the nutmeg tree yield . The genus Myristica includes the commercially rife Myristica fragrans , but other species , like M. argentea and M. malabarica , wreak roles in local cuisines and practice of medicine . Nutmeg trees take 7–9 years to fruit and peak at 20–25 long time , yielding for up to 60–100 long time , making them a long - term investiture . Thriving in USDA zona 10–12 , they demand well - drained , loamy soil and consistent wet , ideal for tropical regions like Indonesia , Grenada , and Sri Lanka .

Nutmeg Trees

1 . Common Nutmeg ( Myristica fragrans )

Common Nutmeg , or fragrant nutmeg , is the most widely cultivated variety , native to the Banda Islands of Indonesia . This evergreen plant grows 30–60 feet , with dark green , glossy leaves and small , pale yellow flowers . Its pear tree - shaped , xanthous fruit rent to reveal a lustrous brown seed ( nutmeg ) wind in a crimson aril ( mace ) . Producing 500–1,000 yield p.a. , it ’s the primary source of ball-shaped nutmeg and macer , with Indonesia and Grenada go exports . Thriving in full sun with afternoon shade , it prefers loamy soil ( pH 5.5–7.5 ) and high humidity . Pair with banana or cocoa for shadowiness in plantations . Common Nutmeg is perfect for gardener seek the classic spicery dyad for culinary and commercial-grade use .

2 . Papuan Nutmeg ( Myristica argentea )

Papuan Nutmeg , aboriginal to New Guinea , is a lesser - experience variety often used as an adulterant for M. fragrans products . mature 40–50 feet , it features smooth , gray - browned barque and aromatic , leathery leafage . Its yield lack the intense smell of true nutmeg , producing a milder spicery used topically in Papua New Guinea . It thrives in cryptic , loamy soils with reproducible moisture , digest fond shade . While not a commercial powerhouse , its resiliency suits tropical gardener experimenting with substitute nutmeg tree species . Plant with male pollinators for fruiting , and pair with kenari nut trees for wind protective cover . Papuan Nutmeg is idealistic for those exploring regional spicery cultivation .

3 . Bombay Nutmeg ( Myristica malabarica )

Bombay Nutmeg , aboriginal to India ’s Western Ghats , grows 50–65 feet with lustrous , lanceolate leaves and lowly , yellowish flowers . Its fruit yields a semen with a less powerful aroma than M. fragrans , used locally for medicinal purposes and as a spiciness adulterant . favour humid , shaded rainforests , it thrives in well - drained , organic - plenteous stain ( pH 6–7 ) . Its dioecious nature requires manly and female trees for fruit production . Often intercropped with coffee or pepper , it suits agroforestry systems . Bombay Nutmeg is a great pick for nurseryman in southerly India or alike climate seek a native spice tree with ecologic benefits .

4 . False Nutmeg ( Myristica fatua )

False Nutmeg , found in Indonesia and Malaysia , is a smaller multifariousness , reach 30–40 foundation , with aromatic leaves and inconspicuous flower . Its fruit produce a seed with minimum flavor , used in traditional medicine rather than culinary program . Thriving in lowland rainforests , it favour moist , loamy soil and partial shade . Its compact sizing makes it suitable for home garden or greenhouses in zones 11–12 . brace with shade - loving crops like ginger for intercropping . False Nutmeg prayer to gardener concerned in medicinal plants or biodiversity , offering a scummy - sustentation nutmeg metal money .

5 . Macassar Nutmeg ( Myristica inutilis )

Macassar Nutmeg , aboriginal to Sulawesi and New Guinea , grow 35–50 foundation with dense , dark greenish foliage . Its fruit yield a semen with a elusive flavor , used locally as a spice or medicinal fixings . It thrive in humid , tropical experimental condition with well - drained dirt and tolerates sluttish shade . Less commercially practicable than M. fragrans , it ’s treasure for ecological restoration in its native grasp . Plant with male trees for pollination , and intercrop with vanilla extract for synergism . Macassar Nutmeg is ideal for gardeners in tropical Asia seek a resilient , lesser - known mixed bag .

6 . Queensland Nutmeg ( Myristica insipida )

Queensland Nutmeg , aboriginal to northeast Australia , reaches 40–60 feet with glossy , aromatic leafage and small , cream - colored flowers . Its fruit produce a balmy - season ejaculate used by autochthonal community for food and medicine . Thriving in rainforest consideration , it prefer thick , fecund soil and high humidness . Its adaptability suits coastal tropical gardens in zones 10–12 . Pair with native Australian plants like macadamia for biodiversity . Queensland Nutmeg is perfect for gardener in Australia or standardised climates wanting a native spiciness tree with cultural significance .

7 . Silver Nutmeg ( Myristica beddomei )

Silver Nutmeg , endemic to India ’s Western Ghats , grows 50–70 feet with silvery - green leafage that shimmer in sunlight . Its fruit yields a seed used in Ayurvedic medicine , with a mild spice flavor . Preferring shaded , humid forests , it flourish in loamy , well - drained soil ( pH 5.5–7 ) . Its striking foliage makes it ornamental as well as functional . Intercrop with cardamum for a lush understory . Silver Nutmeg is a top pick for gardener in southerly India seeking a visually sensational nutmeg variety with medicinal value .

8 . Broad - Leaved Nutmeg ( Myristica dactyloides )

Broad - Leaved Nutmeg , native to Sri Lanka and Malaysia , uprise 40–55 feet with broad , shiny leaves and pocket-sized , fragrant flowers . Its yield bring on a seeded player with a fragile flavour , used in local cuisines and traditional curative . It thrives in humid , shaded conditions with rich , loamy soil . Its all-encompassing canopy suits agroforestry , providing wraith for crop like cocoa . wide - Leaved Nutmeg is ideal for gardener in Southeast Asia wanting a versatile nutmeg tree diagram for spice and shade .

9 . Swamp Nutmeg ( Myristica hypargyraea )

Swamp Nutmeg , found in Indonesia and Papua New Guinea , grows 30–50 metrical unit in lowland , waterlogged soils . Its fruit yields a seed used topically for mild flavourer or medicinal purposes . Unlike most Myristica fragrans , it tolerates surface-active agent condition , making it alone for squashy tropical gardens . Plant in full sun with organic - rich grime , and partner off with taro for wetland system of rules . Swamp Nutmeg is thoroughgoing for gardeners in flood - prone area seeking a audacious , unlawful nutmeg variety .

10 . Philippine Nutmeg ( Myristica philippensis )

Philippine Nutmeg , aboriginal to the Philippines , reaches 35–50 infantry with dense , aromatic foliage and small , chickenhearted peak . Its yield bring about a ejaculate with a subtle tone , used in local dishful and herbal medicine . Thriving in humid , well - run out soils , it favour partial shade and high rain . Intercrop with coconut for a tropical plantation esthetic . Philippine Nutmeg is a great pick for Philippine nurseryman or those in similar climate desire a native spiciness tree with culinary potential .

11 . Solomon Nutmeg ( Myristica ceylanica )

Solomon Nutmeg , native to the Solomon Islands and Sri Lanka , grows 40–60 feet with glossy , lance - shaped leaves . Its fruit cede a semen with a mild , Myristica fragrans - similar relish , used in Pacific Island cuisine . It thrive in deep , loamy soil with reproducible moisture and allow light shade . Pair with breadfruit for a tropical food forest . Solomon Nutmeg is idealistic for gardeners in Pacific region essay a culturally significant nutmeg variety for local dishes .

12 . California Nutmeg ( Torreya californica )

California Nutmeg , a non - Myristica species from the Taxaceae kinsfolk , is let in for its nutmeg - like seed , though not a dependable spicery source . Native to California , this cone-bearing evergreen grows 15–50 feet with sharp , phonograph needle - similar leaves and edible , nutmeg tree - shaped seeds used historically by Indigenous peoples . Thriving in USDA zones 7–9 , it prefer well - drained , slightly acidic soil and fond shade . Its subtlety tolerance suits forest gardens with redwood or Douglas fir tree . California Nutmeg is perfect for North American gardeners seeking a aboriginal , nutmeg tree - similar tree for decorative and historical economic value .