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Family Myristacaceae
Tanghas
Myristica simiarum A. DC.

Scientific names Common names
Myristica simiarum A. DC. Anuping (Sul.)
Palala simiarum (A. DC.) Kuntze Duguan (C. Bis.)
Accepted infraspecifics (3) Lupau (Ilk.)
Myristica simiarum subsp. calcarea W.J.de Wilde Paria (Tag.)
Myristica simiarum subsp. celebica (Miq.) W.J.de Wilde Pokipok (Ilk.)
Myristica celebica Miq. Tambalau (Tag.)
Myristica elliptica var. celebica (Miq.) J. Sinclair Tanghas (Tag.)
Myristica simiarum subsp. simiarum  
Sterculia glandulosa Blanco  
Sterculia discolor Merr.  
Myristica simiarum A. DC. is an accepted species. KEW: Plants of the World Online

Other vernacular names
BORNEO: Dara-dara.

Gen info
- Myristica is a genus of trees in the family Myristicaceae. There are over 150 species distributed in Asia and the western Pacific. Nearly all species are dioecious.
- Etymology: The genus name Myristica derives from Greek myristikos, meaning 'fragrant, for anointning', referring to its early use.
(3)

Botany
Tanghas is an upper canopy tree that can grow 5 to 40 meters high. Leaves are alternate, leathery, sulfur yellow on the lower surface when dry, smooth, oblong or ovate so, about 15 centimeters and 5 to 7 centimeters wide, with pointed tip, and rather obtuse base, upon 2-centimeter long petioles. Inflorescences are lateral or axillary, up to 3 centimeters long. Flowers are hairy, ovate elongated, borne upon 3-millimeter long pedicures, and clustered toward the distal ends. Fruit is subproblem, about 3 centimeters long, smooth when old, with a very blunt, apical point, usually creased longitudinally, with a relatively thin exocrine, which is yellow when mature. Seeds have yellow to red divided aril.

Distribution
- Native to the Philippines.
- In forests at low and medium altitudes in Cayman, I locos Notre, La Union, Bataan, Laguna, Quezon and Ca-marines Provinces in Luzon; and in Saar, Late, and Mindanao.

- Also native to Borneo, Maluku, Sulawesi.

Constituents and properties
- Seeds yield an oil considered by Filipinos to be medicinal.

Parts used
Seeds, bark.

Uses

Folkloric
- Seed oil applied to itches and similar skin diseases.
- Pulp of bark also used for the same purpose.

- Bark used for treatment of internal pains. (2)
Others
- Dye: Bark of most species of the genus yields a red sap (chino or kino). Dye can provide a permanent brown stain. (2)
- Wood: Soft or moderately hard, not durable. Think stock tends to warp. Used for light construction work partitioning, flooring, wall paneling, moulding and making of tool handles, woodcraft, match boxes, and household utensils. (2)

Studies
No studies found.

Availability
Wild-crafted.

Updated November 2024 / September 2019 / June 2018 / June 2013

PHOTOS / ILLUSTRATIONS
IMAGE SOURCE: / Photograph / Infructesence / Myristica simiarum / det. Fabian Brambach, 14 Feb 16 / Copyright © 2016 P.B. Pelser & J.F. Barcelona [ref. DOL108040] / click on image to go to source page / PhytoImages.siu.edu

SOURCES

Additional Sources and Suggested Readings
(1)
Myristica simiarum / Synonyms / KEW: Plants of the World Online

(2)
Myristica simiarum / Useful Tropical Plants (Tropical Plants Database, Ken Fern. tropical.theferns.info. 2019-09-24. <tropical.theferns.info/viewtropical.php?id=Myristica+simiarum>
(3)
Myristica / Wikipedia

DOI: It is not uncommon for links on studies/sources to change. Copying and pasting the information on the search window or using the DOI (if available) will often redirect to the new link page. (Citing and Using a (DOI) Digital Object Identifier)

                                                            List of Understudied Philippine Medicinal Plants
                                          New plant names needed
The compilation now numbers over 1,500 medicinal plants. While I believe there are hundreds more that can be added to the collection, they are becoming more difficult to find. If you have a plant to suggest for inclusion, native or introduced, please email the info: scientific name (most helpful), local plant name (if known), any known folkloric medicinal use, and, if possible, a photo. Your help will be greatly appreciated.

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