English Name- Cardamom- Elettria cardamomum- Elaich-Cardamom is cultivated largely in Western Hills of South India, besides it is also cultivated in Guatemala, Shri Lanka and Far East.the plant grows on an altitude of 500 to 1500 mtr above msl.
Cardamom is an herb of Zingiberaceae plant family. This is an perennial herb growing to a height of 6-12 feet. The leaves are alternating elliptical and lanceolate. The flower stalk rises from the stem and lies on the ground. The fruits are pods. These pods are cardamom of the trade. Thease pods contain seeds, these seeds are black in colour and contain aromatic oil.
Usage-
Cardamom is used for culinary purpose the wrld over. The sweet aromatic flavou is very valuable for various receipes either spicy or sweet.
As a medicine cardamom is used for removing foul odour from the mouth,in vomiting and in kidney diseases.
Known as an other languages-
Botanical Name- Elettaia cardamomum maton
Marathi / Hindi Name- Elaichi
Sanskrit Name-Ela
French Name-cardamome
German Name-kardamom