Elettaria cardamomum
Commonly known as the Cardamom plant, this is an herbaceous perennial grown for its lush foliage and fruit. The dark green leaves are long and held off long stems. Colourful orange and red flowers are borne in spring and give rise to clusters of green berries in summer. The fruit and seeds within are often used as a spice in cooking, particularly curries. It typically grows to 1.5 m tall and 1 m wide, though can be cut back as necessary. This plant thrives in hot and shaded conditions on soils that dont dry dont out. It is not tolerant of frost or fluctuating temperatures and for this reason it is often grown indoors. In warmer climates it can be grown outdoors. The Cardamom plant is commonly included in tropical gardens, grown indoors as a potted plant, or grown specifically for its spicy fruits.
