Elettaria

Elettaria is a genus of plants in the family Zingiberaceae. It is native to India, Sri Lanka, Borneo, and Sumatra. The most well-known member of this genus is Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as cardamom.

Description

Elettaria species are perennial herbs with leafy stems. The leaves are distichous (arranged in two vertical rows). The flowers are white, yellow, or pink, and are borne in spikes or panicles. The fruit is a three-valved capsule containing numerous small, aromatic seeds.

Species

The genus Elettaria includes the following species:

• Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton – Cardamom
• Elettaria ensal (Abeyw.) Abeyw.
• Elettaria rubida (C.B.Clarke) R.M.Sm.
• Elettaria speciosa (Blume) K.Schum.
• Elettaria surculosa (K.Schum.) R.M.Sm.

Uses

Elettaria species, particularly E. cardamomum, are cultivated for their aromatic seeds, which are used as a spice and in traditional medicine. The seeds are a key ingredient in many dishes in South Asian, Middle Eastern, and Scandinavian cuisines. They are also used in the production of certain types of liquor and in traditional Ayurvedic medicine.

Cultivation

Elettaria species are tropical plants that require a warm, humid climate. They are typically grown in the understory of tropical forests, where they receive dappled sunlight. The plants are propagated from seeds or rhizome cuttings, and they begin to produce fruit after three to four years.

See also

• Zingiberaceae
• Spice
• Ayurveda

External links

• The Plant List: Elettaria
• ITIS: Elettaria

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  Elettaria cardamomum illustration

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  Green cardamom pods