The Myristicaceae are a family of flowering plants native to Africa, Asia, Pacific islands, and the Americas and has been recognised by most taxonomists. It is sometimes called the "nutmeg family", after its most famous member, Myristica fragrans, the source of the spices nutmeg and mace. The best known genera are Myristica and Virola. The family consists of about 20 genera, with about 440 species of trees and shrubs found in tropical areas across the world. Most of the species are large trees that are valued in the timber industry.