NUTMEG, BUAH PALA

Nutmeg has its origin in Eastern Malaysia but had spread to India and Europe centuries ago. Although it is well known as spice and dried fruits, one does not see the fresh fruit in the market. The tree is usually small but has the capacity to grow up to about 23 meters. It has male and female plants but bisexual one also occur. The male tree is essential for proper fertilization. Fruits are found in female and hermaphrodite or bisexual trees. The fruits is heart-shaped, about 7-5 cm long and 5 cm wide. The fruits is green turning to yellow brown on ripening. When it is ripe it splits in two halves, inside of which is a large brown seed covered with the coral red mace. It is seldom eaten raw. Nutmeg has many uses-medicinal, spice, sweets, oickles and oil. It is not found in home garden and is grown mainly in Penang on a small scale.