Nutmeg trees-Myristica fragrans

[Cindy Adair]

I have 4 small trees (the picture is of the largest one)growing slowing in shade to part shade. I understand they are dioecious so I planted 5 about 4 years ago in Puerto Rico. The fifth one has either died or I've "misplaced" it. I've only seen one fruiting tree ever and that was in Hawaii. Anybody know about how large they need to be to flower, so I can figure out if I even have both sexes?

[LauraAnu]

Hello Cindy,

I have seen a number of fruiting nutmeg trees in Dominica and Barbados. The ones in Dominica were approximately 6-8' tall (they had a wide crown though) and were fruiting. The ones in Barbados were at least 20' tall and were also fruiting. Size I am not sure but approximately 8 years to flower (maybe less depending on the tree).

Hope that helps.

Laura

[Cindy Adair]

  On 5/9/2012 at 6:48 PM, LauraAnu said:

Hello Cindy,

I have seen a number of fruiting nutmeg trees in Dominica and Barbados. The ones in Dominica were approximately 6-8' tall (they had a wide crown though) and were fruiting. The ones in Barbados were at least 20' tall and were also fruiting. Size I am not sure but approximately 8 years to flower (maybe less depending on the tree).

Hope that helps.

Laura

It does help. Thanks! I've seen only two trees so far in Puerto Rico of this species (other than my small ones). Both are large and lovely, but each property only has one tree so no fruit.... I'm glad to hear it might not take as long as Mangosteen to fruit!