ON THIS PLANT
Aframomum angustifolium, known as "wild cardamom" in English, is a species in the ginger family Zingiberaceae that grows in tropical Africa and in Madagascar.In Madagascar, it is known as longoza, due to its use as a source of energy during long hunting treks (lona "long hours", and hoza "to experience diificulties"). The species name, angustifolium, means "narrow-leaved" in Latin. It is herbaceous and like other plants of this family, its erect "stems" consist of layered tubular leaf bases. The fruit is a berry containing many seeds surrounded by sugary-sweet and sour edible pulp. The crushed seeds are also used as a peppery spice. The leaves are also used as disposable receptacles for eating rice.
CHARACTERISTICS
Botanical profile.
- Genus
- Aframomum
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
ALSO KNOWN AS
Other names.
en Guinea Grains en Longoza Plant en Mlelgueta Pepper en Madagascar cardamom
PLATES