Aframomum angustifolium, known as "wild cardamom" in English,[2] is a species in the ginger family Zingiberaceae that grows in tropical Africa and in Madagascar.[1]
| Aframomum angustifolium | |
|---|---|
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| Aframomum angustifolium fruit | |
Scientific classification 
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| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus: | Aframomum |
| Species: | A. angustifolium
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| Binomial name | |
| Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K.Schum.[1]
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| Synonyms[1] | |
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Description
editAframomum angustifolium 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.
Etymology
editThe species name, angustifolium, means "narrow-leaved" in Latin.
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").[3]
Uses
editThe plant's crushed seeds are used as a peppery spice.[2] The leaves are also used as disposable receptacles for eating rice.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c "Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K.Schum". Plants of the World Online. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew. Retrieved 2020-10-03.
- ^ a b Ruffo, Christopher K.; Birnie, Ann; Tengnäs, Bo (2002). Edible wild plants of Tanzania. Regional Land Management Unit/Sida. ISBN 9966-896-62-7.
- ^ a b Boiteau, Pierre (1999). "longoza". Dictionnaire des noms malgaches de végétaux (in French). Vol. III. Editions Alzieu – via Malagasy Dictionary and Malagasy Encyclopedia.
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