Definition

Noun 1. A tropical evergreen tree: Myristica fragrans is the scientific name for the tree native to the Maluku Islands (the Spice Islands) of Indonesia. It is cultivated in tropical regions for its commercially valuable aromatic seeds.

Usage

• The term is used in botanical, scientific, culinary, and commercial contexts to refer specifically to the tree species that produces nutmeg and mace.
• It is a formal, technical term. In everyday conversation, people typically refer to the "nutmeg tree" or simply "nutmeg."

Examples

• Scientific/Agricultural Context:
  • The plantation specializes in growing Myristica fragrans for the spice trade.
  • Botanists study the flowering cycle of Myristica fragrans.
• General/Culinary Context:
  • Nutmeg and mace both come from the same tree, Myristica fragrans.
  • The essential oil derived from Myristica fragrans is used in flavoring and perfumery.

Advanced Usage

• The name is a binomial nomenclature (genus , species ), following the Linnaean system of classifying organisms.
• The specific epithet "" is Latin for "fragrant," describing the aromatic quality of the tree's fruit and seeds.

Variants and Related Words

• Nutmeg tree: The common name for .
• Nutmeg (noun): The inner seed kernel of the fruit, dried and used as a spice.
• Mace (noun): The lacy, reddish aril (covering) surrounding the nutmeg seed, also dried and used as a separate spice.
• Myristicaceae (noun): The botanical family to which the genus belongs.

Synonyms

• Nutmeg tree

Related Terms and Phrases

• Source of: This phrase is commonly used with to indicate what it produces.
  • Myristica fragrans is the source of two important spices.
• Cultivated for: This phrase describes its primary agricultural purpose.
  • The tree is widely cultivated for its aromatic seeds.

Noun

1. East Indian tree widely cultivated in the tropics for its aromatic seed; source of two spices: nutmeg and mace