Monodora myristica

Plant Characteristics

Cultivation

Scientific Names

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Read about Monodora myristica in the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture

Monodora myristica, Dunal. Calabash Nutmeg. Lvs. short- petioled, the blade firmly membranaceous or paper- like, glabrous, obovate or oblong-elliptical, cuneately narrowed toward the base, which is obscurely cordate; apex more or less acuminate, primary lateral nerves 10-20, prominent beneath, curving upward, connected by secondary nerves almost at right angles to them: fls. fragrant, solitary, long-pedunculate, the peduncle bearing at or above the middle an ovate-lanceolate or suborbicular bracteole often more or less acuminate at the apex; outer petals more or less ovate-lanceolate, gradually narrowing toward the apex, undulate-crispate, white or yellowish, and variegated with purple or brown spots; interior petals shortly clawed, ovate- cordate obtuse, auriculate and pilose at the base; stigma with the circular margin scalloped or entire : fr. globose, more or less longitudinally striate or obscurely ribbed, with the pericarp thick, woody and gourd-like. often 4-6 in. diam., and hanging on a peduncle 24 in. long. An African tree endemic in the forests of Sierra Leone, Upper Guinea, Kamerun, Gabun, the Lower Congo, and Angola. In its native habitat it often reaches a height of 60 ft. or more; but in cult. it is usually much smaller. — The aromatic seeds, with the endosperm ruminate like that of a nutmeg, are highly prized by the native Africans. They are used medicinally and as a spice for seasoning food, and are offered for sale in local markets, strung together like rosaries. The above text is from the Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture. It may be out of date, but still contains valuable and interesting information which can be incorporated into the remainder of the article. Click on "Collapse" in the header to hide this text.

Cultivation

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References

• Standard Cyclopedia of Horticulture, by L. H. Bailey, MacMillan Co., 1963

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