Nutmeg is a perennial evergreen spice tree and a native of Molluccas in East Indonesia.

It has been reported that the plants have been introduced into Sri Lanka in the beginning of nineteenth century. Nutmeg plant is a spreading evergreen tree reaches up to 15-20 m height.

Nutmeg tree yield two spices, nutmeg, which is the kernel of the seed and mace, which is the net-like crimson colored leathery out growth (aril) covering the shell of the seed.

Nutmeg and mace have similar sensory qualities, with nutmeg having a slightly sweeter and mace a more delicate flavor.