Aframomum sp. (Aframomum)

Top Tropicals Plant Encyclopedia

Aframomum mildbraedii

Botanical name: Aframomum sp.

Common names: Aframomum, Melegueta pepper, Guinea grain, Guinea pepper, Alligator Pepper, Grains of Paradise

Family: Zingiberaceae

Origin: Tropical Africa

USDA Zone: 9-11?

The genus Aframomum is well known in African forests because the bright red, fleshy fruit of several species contain a sweet juicy pulp and is eaten widely by primates and other mammals.

Aframomum melegueta is a herbaceous perennial plant native to swampy habitats along the West African coast. Its trumpet-shaped, purple flowers develop into 5- to 7-cm long pods containing numerous small, reddish-brown seeds.

Seeds of this rare Ginger are similar in flavor to cardamom and used as a pungent spice. This Ginger has many bioactives, great for digestive and intestinal health. The plant has many other medicinal values: anti-diabetic and anti-obese mechanisms, aphrodisiac and testosterone boosting properties. Aframomum melegueta may be promising for a spice to add to a diet in hopes of body recomposition. Studies show this spice increases sexual behavior.