Myristica fragrans shiny seed, long by about across, with a red or crimson covering (an aril). The seed is the source of nutmeg, the aril the source of mace. "Myristica fragrans" was given a binomial name by the Dutch botanist Maartyn Houttuyn in 1774. It had earlier been described by Georg Eberhard Rumphius, among others. The specific epithet "fragrans" means "fragrant". Myristica fragrans Myristica fragrans is an evergreen tree indigenous to the Moluccas (or the Spice Islands) of Indonesia. It is important as the main source of the spices nutmeg and mace. It is widely grown across the tropics including Guangdong and
Mace of the United States House of Representatives used in the interim. The design of the mace is derived from an ancient battle weapon and the Roman fasces. The ceremonial mace is high and consists of 13 ebony rods—representing the original 13 states of the Union—bound together by silver strands criss-crossed over the length of the pole. Atop this shaft is a silver globe on which sits an intricately cast solid silver eagle. For daily sessions of the House, the Sergeant carries the silver and ebony mace of the House in front of the Speaker, in procession to the rostrum. When the House is in session, the mace