Cardamom
ExplorePlants
Cardamom
Elettaria cardamomum
Cardamom is a fragrant spice that grows in tropical regions. It has green pods with tiny black seeds inside, and it's used to add flavor to foods like curries and desserts.
Habitat: Rainforest
Appearance
The Cardamom is a tall, slender plant with vibrant green, glossy leaves that grow directly from the base. Its small, delicate flowers are usually white or pale yellow with intricate purple veins, and they emerge from the plant's base, distinct from its foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassLiliopsidaOrderZingiberalesFamilyZingiberaceaeGenusElettaria
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
Be the first to snap!
Interesting facts
Cardamom seeds are often chewed after meals to freshen breath and aid digestion.
Cardamom's unique flavor makes it a star in both sweet cakes and savory curries!
It's one of the world's most expensive spices, after saffron and vanilla!
Some cultures believe cardamom seeds have magical powers and bring good luck.
Special abilities
Ability
Hidden Treasure Pods
Cardamom can hide its spice-filled seed pods close to the ground, making them tricky for some animals to find.
Ability
Aromatic Shield
Cardamom has a strong, fragrant aroma that helps defend its leaves from many hungry plant-eaters.
Ability
Understory Survivor
Cardamom can thrive in the shade of taller trees, adapting to grow well in dim forest light.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 200-400 cm
- Spread
- 100-200 cm
- Flower Size
- 2-3 cm
- Bloom Season
- Summer to fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
eats
castor shoot borer
Conogethes punctiferalis
Larvae bore into stems and pods, causing damage.
depends on
Teak tree
Tectona grandis
Cardamom needs the shade provided by taller forest trees.
Traits
Aromatic
Aromatic plants produce and emit fragrant volatile organic compounds, often for defense or to attract pollinators.
Evergreen
Evergreen plants retain their foliage throughout the year, never shedding all their leaves at once.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Medicinal
Medicinal plants possess chemical compounds that can be used for therapeutic purposes to treat illnesses or maintain health.
Spice
This human use trait indicates species from which spices are derived, used for flavoring, preserving food, or as aromatic agents.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Rainforest
This habitat trait refers to species found in tropical rainforests, characterized by high annual rainfall, high biodiversity, and dense tree cover.
Also known as
Green CardamomMalabar CardamomTrue Cardamom
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Cardamom pods are not meant to be eaten whole, so always use ground cardamom in recipes.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is Cardamom?
200-400 cm
How wide does Cardamom spread?
100-200 cm
How big are the flowers on Cardamom?
2-3 cm
When does Cardamom bloom?
Summer to fall
Is Cardamom edible?
Yes
Is Cardamom toxic?
None
What is Cardamom's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is Cardamom pollinated?
Insect
Snap Map
Zoom in to split clusters and explore where this object has been snapped.
Loading map…
Recent Snaps
Recent snaps will appear here as new observations are added.
