Cardamom
Elettaria · Accepted scientific name
Scientific literature: Very Sparse (2 studies) · ★☆☆☆☆
Cardamom, scientifically known as Elemearia, is a highly aromatic spice celebrated for its intense flavor and medicinal properties. Renowned in traditional healing, it aids digestion, relieves respiratory issues, and reduces inflammation. This versatile plant serves as a vital botanical resource, bridging the gap between culinary delight and holistic wellness.
- Family
- Zingiberaceae
- Native range
- Africa
- Parts used
- Not available
- Common names
- Cardamom
- Scientific synonyms
- Not available
Names and Synonyms
Common Names
- Cardamom
Scientific Names
Accepted name
ElettariaRegional and Traditional Names
German:
- Kardamom
French:
- Cardamome
Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is placed in the order Zingiberales and the family Zingiberaceae. It is specifically identified by the genus Eleutheria.
| Rank | Classification |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Streptophyta |
| Class | Equisetopsida |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae |
| Order | Zingiberales |
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Genus | Elettaria |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Distribution
This plant exhibits a wide geographical distribution spanning several distinct regions. Within the Western Indian Ocean, it can be found growing on the island of Réunion. Its presence is also significant across the Indian Subcontinent, where it inhabits India, Sri Lanka, and Bangladesh. Furthermore, the species extends into the Indo-China region, specifically occurring in Cambodia. These diverse locations highlight the plant's ability to thrive in various tropical environments.
| Region | Area |
|---|---|
| Western Indian Ocean | Réunion |
| Indian Subcontinent | Bangladesh |
| Indian Subcontinent | India |
| Indian Subcontinent | Sri Lanka |
| Indo-China | Cambodia |
| Indo-China | Thailand |
| Indo-China | Vietnam |
| Malesia | Lesser Sunda Is. |
| Central America | Costa Rica |
| Caribbean | Trinidad-Tobago |
Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)
Activities
Elettaria has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antimicrobial, Antioxidant.
| Activity | Supporting sources | Consensus |
|---|---|---|
| Antimicrobial | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| Antioxidant | 1 supporting sources | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Antimicrobial
- Biomolecules
Antioxidant
- Biomolecules