Amomum (Cardamon)

Plants for a future (info

Amomum dealbatum

Available now

Local name in Nepali: Churumpha ( Choo-room-pha)

Description: A robust ginger with stout stems growing up to 8ft tall. Leaves are found on the upper portion of the stem. This is an evergreen plant with the old stems dying down after a few years. The rhizomes are stout and a dull red in colour. Flower buds appear in late winter from the base of the rhizome. The peduncle is short and the buds encased in tight bracts which are of a dull red colour. Flowers appear from early spring through mid summer. Individual flowers stay open for three days and more and new ones open successively. An inflorescence stays in flower for over a month.

Habitat: This species is found in the eastern Himalayas and inhabits cool forest areas near mountain streams and damp forest floors. Grows fast and vigorously during the summer monsoon months.

Ehtnobotany: The unopened inflorescence is harvested and used to make curries. The seed capsules are harvested and dried and mixed with large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) capsules from which it is very difficult to distinguish. Capsules of this species are not as aromatic as large cardamom

Amomum subulatum

Available now

Local name in Nepali: Churumpha ( Choo-room-pha)

Description: A robust ginger with stout stems growing up to 8ft tall. Leaves are found on the upper portion of the stem. This is an evergreen plant with the old stems dying down after a few years. The rhizomes are stout and a dull red in colour. Flower buds appear in late winter from the base of the rhizome. The peduncle is short and the buds encased in tight bracts which are of a dull red colour. Flowers appear from early spring through mid summer. Individual flowers stay open for three days and more and new ones open successively. An inflorescence stays in flower for over a month.

Habitat: This species is found in the eastern Himalayas and inhabits cool forest areas near mountain streams and damp forest floors. Grows fast and vigorously during the summer monsoon months.

Ehtnobotany: The unopened inflorescence is harvested and used to make curries. The seed capsules are harvested and dried and mixed with large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) capsules from which it is very difficult to distinguish. Capsules of this species are not as aromatic as large cardamom

Amomum - UK1

Available now

We have not determined the name for this plant as yet. It resembles Amomum dealbatum in physical  and floral characteristics but there are differences in floral structure (lip shape) and coloration.

Flowers in late spring. A single inflorescence blooms over a long period as groups of flowers open up and stay fresh for a couple of days. As these flowers wither away, new buds open and keep the show going.

Once identity is established a detailed description and other notes will be posted.

Ethnobotany: villagers use the tight unopened inflorescence for preparing a dip. Aromatic