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aframomum

Scientific Name: Aframomum

Family: Zingiberaceae

Category: Monocot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Grains of Paradise (Aframomum melegueta)

Considerations for Pets

  • The seeds are described as pungent and peppery, which may cause irritation if ingested.

Considerations for Children

  • The seeds are described as pungent and peppery, which may be unpleasant for children if ingested.
  • The text mentions that the seeds crack like coriander, releasing a "slowly intensifying heat," which may be a concern for children.

Scientific Name and Common Names

  • Scientific Name: Aframomum melegueta
  • Common Names: Grains of Paradise, Melegueta pepper, Alligator pepper, Guinea Pepper, atar, graines de paradis, grana
  • Other species include: Aframomum sceptrum, Aframomum chrysanthum, Aframomum angustifolium, Aframomum daniellii, Aframomum alboviolaceum, Aframomum kayserianum, Aframomum polyanthum, Aframomum giganteum, Aframomum aulacocarpos, Aframomum meleguetella, Aframomum korarima, Aframomum usambarense

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Family: Zingiberaceae (Ginger family)
  • Kingdom: Angiosperms (major group)
  • Synonyms:
    • Aframomum grana-paradisi
    • Alpinia grana-paradisi
    • Amomum melegueta
    • Amomum elatum
    • Amomum grana-paradisi L.
  • Aframomum melegueta Roscoe K. Schum.

Distribution and Habitat

  • Widespread across tropical Africa.
  • Found on some islands of the Indian Ocean, including Madagascar.
  • Native to tropical Africa; rarely cultivated elsewhere.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Perennial herb.
  • Leafy shoots arise from extensive rhizomes.
  • Inflorescences have 4-10 flowers and arise at the base of the leafy shoots.
  • Petals are red, and the labellum (lip) is yellow.

Traditional Usage

  • The seeds have traditional usage mostly as a pungent spice to season foods.
  • Used in West Africa as a remedy for a variety of ailments.

Interactions with Other Organisms

  • The extract of Aframomum melegueta seeds exhibits antimicrobial activities against Candida albicans, Salmonella spp, Escherichia coli, Shigella spp and klebsiella spp.

Resources and Further Information

  • Lock in Kew Bull. 35: 299-313 (1980) and Fl. Trop. East Afr., Zingiberac: 22-37 (1985).
  • Taxonomic Serial No.: 506501 (Integrated Taxonomic Information System - ITIS).
  • WCSP.