Seashore
nutmeg
Knema globularia
Family Myristicaceae
The flowers of the Seashore nutmeg are small, with the genders separated
on different trees. The tree produces a red sap which clots like blood
on the cut bark. Thus giving rise to its Malay name 'Pendarah'
which mean 'one that bleeds'.
Like all nutmegs, the fruit wall splits into halves when ripe. The
bright red pulp attracts large birds, such as the Oriental
pied-hornbills, which eat and disperse them.
Human uses: The timber is used
for house rafters. While the pulp of commercial nutmegs (Mysristica
fragrans) has a spicy flavour, that of the Seashore nutmeg is
tasteless.
Status and threats: The Seashore
nutmeg was once thought to be no longer found in Singapore!
Other references
- Corners,
E. J. H., 1997. Wayside Trees of Malaya: in two volumes.
Fourth edition, Malayan Nature Society, Kuala Lumpur. Volume 1:
1-476 pp, plates 1-38; volume 2: 477-861 pp., plates 139-236.
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Leaves and fruit
Female flower
Male flower |
