Myristica


Myristica is a genus of trees in the family Myristicaceae. There are over 150 species, distributed in Asia and the western Pacific.
The most important commercial species is Myristica fragrans, from which mace is also derived.

Etymology

The name is from the Greek adjective myristikos, meaning ‘fragrant, for anointing’, referring to its early use.
The adjective is from the noun myron.

Description

All or nearly all species are dioecious. Knuth however cites a report of trees being male in their sex expression when young and female
later. Perianth of one whorl of three largely united segments. Stamens two to thirty, partly or wholly united. The ovary is superior, consisting of a single uniovulate carpel.
Species in this genus use secondary pollen presentation, the type of which is Pollenhaufen, where pollen is in an exposed heap at the base of the flower.

Species

Selected Myristica species:
Some species of Myristica have been reclassified into the genus Virola by some botanists.