The Angolan Calabash Nutmeg tree is a rare tree with nutmeg-like seeds that originates from the tropical regions of Africa, from Gabon to Angola and Tanzania. It belongs to the same family as the better-known Monodora myristica, but is much rarer. The seeds are also used in various West African dishes, such as soups and stews. The tree, which grows up to 20 metres tall in the wild, also has a special green and white inflorescence that resembles the flowers of an orchid. The petals are up to 5 cm long and have gracefully wavy edges. After the gracefully hanging flowers, large, round brown pods are formed that are about 15 cm in size, each containing a considerable number of seeds. These hard pods resemble gourd fruits, hence the name calabash nutmeg.
The species does well in a moderate climate as a houseplant or in a tub in a warm greenhouse without much direct sunlight, due to the minimum temperature of 15 degrees Celsius. Place the plant in a spot with lots of indirect sunlight and ensure the soil is well-drained. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings.
Sowing instructions: Once you have received the seeds, you can sow it directly in a sowing mix. Choose a spot with lots of indirect sunlight and a temperature between 20 and 30 degrees Celsius for the first phase of development. Keep the soil slightly moist at all times, but beware of root rot caused by over-watering.
