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.

Related Species

Zingiberaceae
	Alpinia caerulea Blue Fruited Ginger		Alpinia zerumbet Shell Ginger
	Elettaria cardamomum Cardamom