Mystical Myristica

The treasure troves of the Western Ghats biodiversity

Bombay Natural History Society

Text and curation: Neha Mujumdar

Myristica Swamps (2010-09-25) by Saunak PalBombay Natural History Society

Myristica Swamps

Myristica swamps are primitive forest patches distributed across the Western Ghats. Once a continuous chain but fragmented today, these swampy habitats found south of Maharashtra onwards are composed of unique ecosystems and offer vital ecosystem services.   

These forests are basically swampy areas with the presence of plants belonging to the family Myristicaceae, the Nutmeg family. Because of the special habitat characteristics, these forests harbor many endemic plants and fauna.    

In 2000, a new tree species, Semecarpus kathalekanensis Kathalekan Marsh Nut was discovered in the myristica swamps of Kathalekan, Uttara Kannada in Karnataka. A frog species, Mercurana myristicapalustris, was recorded from and named after the myristica forests of Kerala in 2013. 

Myristica forests are found in parts of Kerala, Karnataka, Goa, and Maharashtra. Today these are threatened due to many reasons such as overharvest of the wild nutmegs and other plant parts, logging, conversion of the forests into plantations, and climate change. 

The sacred Myristica swamp from Maharashtra (2019-12-28) by Mandar SawantBombay Natural History Society

The sacred Myristica swamp from Maharashtra

Recently discovered Myristica patch from the Sindhudurg district of Maharashtra forms the northernmost distribution of Myristica swamp forests in the Western Ghats. The forest is a small sacred grove called  Kanhalachi devrai. 

Stilt roots (2010-09-25) by Saunak PalBombay Natural History Society

Stilt Roots

The Myristica trees stand tall with the help of stilt roots, the above ground roots originating from the stem of the tree, similar to those seen in the mangroves. Plants develop the roots that support them well by creating a mesh on the forest floor.    

Myristica Swamps (2010-09-25) by Saunak PalBombay Natural History Society

Credits: Story

Text and curation: Neha Mujumdar

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The story featured may in some cases have been created by an independent third party and may not always represent the views of the institutions, listed below, who have supplied the content.
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