Nutmeg (Myristica fragrans) is an evergreen tree native to the Mollucas of Indonesia, also known as the Spice Islands. it is the type species of the its genus and of the entire Nutmeg family (Myristicaceae).Not only is Myristica fragrans the source of two world-famous spices, nutmeg and mace, but the pulp of the fruit is also used more locally as a flavouring and type of herbal tea.
The OP inspired me to look up the original folk rhyme, I Had a little Nut Tree. The poem may be referring to the visit of Queen Juan of Castile's visit to the court of Henry VII, the first Tudor King of England. I posted it in the poetry thread, but I'll put it here as well.
I Had a Little Nut Tree
I had a little nut tree,
Nothing would it bear,
But a silver nutmeg
And a golden pear;
I skipped over water
I danced over sea
And all the birds in the air
Couldn't catch me.
The King of Spain's daughter
Came to visit me,
And all for the sake
Of my little nut tree.
Her dress was made of crimson,
Jet black was her hair,
She asked me for my nutmeg
And my golden pear.
I said, "So fair a princess
Never did I see,
I'll give you all the fruit
From my little nut tree."
- Anonymous (folk rhyme)