Mace variety · Botanical type
Bombay Nutmeg Type (Myristica malabarica)
Also known as Wild nutmeg, M. malabarica reference population
South-western India (native range); Konkan coast and Western Ghats · Not formally bred; wild and semi-cultivated populations · Ancient/pre-colonial; not formally released
Alternative nutmeg species producing lower-grade, milder spice with minimal aroma. Lacks fragrance characteristic of true nutmeg. Historically used as adulterant in true nutmeg trade. Not commercially significant for spice production in India.
Key facts
| Type | Botanical type |
|---|---|
| Origin | South-western India (native range); Konkan coast and Western Ghats |
| Breeder / source | Not formally bred; wild and semi-cultivated populations |
| Year released | Ancient/pre-colonial; not formally released |
| Parentage | Myristica malabarica (distinct species, different from M. fragrans) |
| Yield | Not specified; yields likely lower than commercial M. fragrans varieties |
| Tolerance | Adapted to warm, humid south-western Indian conditions |
| Distinctive features | More brown fruit colour; longer, narrower ovular shape; yellow/orange aril instead of bright red; smaller kernel; destitute of aroma; lower essential oil content compared to M. fragrans. Distinguished by lack of fragrance and inferior flavour. |
| Grown in | South-western India (Konkan coast, Western Ghats); not commercially significant; primarily found in wild state |
| Also known as | Wild nutmeg, M. malabarica reference population |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Bombay Nutmeg Type (Myristica malabarica) in detail
A wild nutmeg species native to India's Western Ghats, growing in swamp and lowland evergreen forest, that produces a weaker spice with barely any aroma and has long been harvested to adulterate true nutmeg in trade.
Origin & story
Myristica malabarica is not a formally bred variety but a wild and semi-cultivated population native to the Konkan coast and Western Ghats of southwestern India, found in evergreen and lowland swamp forests. Local names include Kattujathi (literally "wild nutmeg") in Malayalam, Rampatri in Hindi, and it is also recorded as Pathri and Chorapali. The species grows as a subcanopy tree in lowland and swamp forest. Unlike true nutmeg (M. fragrans), M. malabarica has never been formally selected or released as a spice variety; instead it has been used as a lower-cost adulterant in the nutmeg trade.
How it grows
M. malabarica grows as an understory tree in tropical wet evergreen and swamp forest, reaching about 25-30 metres tall with stilt roots characteristic of wetland species. Seed propagation is difficult: seeds dry out easily, lose viability rapidly, and cannot be stored. The tree has been cultivated in gardens in Bombay and has been used as a rootstock for grafting true nutmeg (M. fragrans). Habitat loss is a concern, as the swamp and lowland forest where it naturally grows has been significantly drained for agriculture. The species is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
Quality & character
Fruit colour is brown to brownish, and the seeds and arils are longer and narrower (more ovular) than true nutmeg. The aril is yellow or orange rather than the bright red of true nutmeg. The kernel is notably smaller than true nutmeg. Most distinctive is the near-complete absence of aroma: the spice is only slightly aromatic and is described as destitute of the fragrance characteristic of M. fragrans. Essential oil content is lower than true nutmeg, so it has little value as a spice.
Why it matters to buyers
Historically significant mainly as an adulterant: substitution and blending of true nutmeg and mace with M. malabarica is documented, and authentication methods including DNA barcoding have been developed to detect it. The species is cheaper than true nutmeg, which makes it attractive for fraudulent blending. Sensory testing (aroma and flavour intensity) is a primary, practical means of detection given its weak fragrance. No commercial spice trade exists for M. malabarica as an intentional product in India today.
About mace
Mace—the lacy, crimson-to-gold aril wrapped around the nutmeg seed—comes from the same tree as nutmeg and matures in India where Kerala's humid coastal belt has cultivated it for centuries. Below are the principal Indian varieties and botanical types: released cultivars from ICAR institutes, farmer-bred selections gaining official recognition, and regional…
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