Aframomum sulcatum

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

A ginger family plant. It has a slender rhizome and a very short flower stalk. The leafy stems grow 4 m tall. They have a reddish tinge. The flowers are pale red to orange-yellow. The fruit have narrow grooves and are edible. The seeds are shiny.

There are about 50 Aframomum species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant. It grows in forest and forest clearings.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Gabon, Ghana, Guinea, Guinée, Liberia, Sierra Leone, West Africa

How it is used for food

The pulp of the fruit is eaten raw. The leaves are dried and used for flavouring.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves - flavouring

How it is grown

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Amomum sulcatum Oliv. et Hanb.; Amomum zimmermannii Sensu A. Chevalier;