Amomum.

Amomum. Scitamineae, Cardamom.

The aromatic and stimulant seeds of many of the plants of the genus Amomum are known as cardamoms, as are those of Elettaria. The botanical history of the species producing the various kinds is in much confusion. One species at least is named as under cultivation.

Amomum angustifolium Sonner. Great Cardamom.

Madagascar. This plant grows on marshy grounds in Madagascar and affords in its seeds the Madagascar, or great cardamoms of commerce. It is called there longouze.

Amomum aromaticum Roxb.

East Indies. The fruit is used as a spice and medicine by the natives and is sold as cardamoms.

Amomum granum-paradisi Linn. Grains Of Paradise.

African tropics. The seeds are made use of illegally in England to give a fictitious strength to spirits and beer, but they are not particularly injurious. The seeds resemble and equal camphor in warmth and pungency.

Amomum maximum Roxb. Java Cardamom

Java and other Malay islands. This species is said to be cultivated in the mountains of Nepal.

Amomum melegueta Rose. Melegueta Pepper.

African tropics. The seeds are exported from Guiana where the plant, supposed to have been brought from Africa, is cultivated by the negroes. The hot and peppery seeds form a valued spice in many parts of India and Africa.

Amomum villosum Lour.

East Indies and China. This plant is supposed to yield the hairy, round, China cardamoms.

Amomum xanthioides Wall. Bastard Cardamom.

Burma. In China, says Smith, the seeds are used as a preserve or condiment and are used 1in flavoring spirit.

Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World, 1919, was edited by U. P. Hedrick.