| Cardamom | |
| Elettaria cardamomum | |
| a.k.a. Cardamon |
Herbaceous perennial related to ginger. Ornate white-purple-yellow flowers are followed by small fruits containing seeds with aromatic oils. The seeds are processed and are an important spice.
Description: Herbaceous shrub to 7-10ft.
Hardiness: Hardy to about 32F.
Growing Environment: There are a number of false cardamoms, but the true cardamom is a subtropical or tropical shrub preffering warm temperatures and year-round water. Plants may quickly reproduce from rhizomes if given adequate space. Will take very brief frosts, but plants also grow well in warm, humid areas. All plant parts are aromatic.
Propagation: By seeds or division of rhizomes.
Uses: Seeds are dried, ground, and used as a food flavoring. Cardamom is an important economic crop and is a highly valued spice. After drying, seeds tend to lose their taste and aromaticity quickly, therefore full seeds are the preffered use.
Native Range: Native to Southern India and Sri Lanka.