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 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Aframomum angustifolium fruit | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus: | Aframomum |
| Species: | A. angustifolium |
| Binomial name | |
| Aframomum angustifolium (Sonn.) K.Schum.[1] | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
Description
Aframomum 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
The 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
The plant's crushed seeds are used as a peppery spice.[2] The leaves are also used as disposable receptacles for eating rice.[3]