Mbongo balim
Aframomum polyanthum

Family: Zingiberaceae

What it is like

A ginger family herb. It grows 3 m tall. The leaves have soft hairs underneath. The flowers are small and there are several flowers on a stalk. The labellum or lip is yellowish-purple.

There are about 50 Aframomum species.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Cameroon, Central Africa, Central African Republic, CAR, Congo, Congo R, Ethiopia, Gabon, Sudan, Zambia

How it is used for food

Edible parts

Seeds, spice

How it is grown

In Central African Republic flowers and fruit have been observed from September to December.

Its other names

Local names

Matungulu

Synonyms

Amomum polyanthum K. Schum.;