Aframomum
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Aframomum | |
|---|---|
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| Unidentified Aframomum in flower | |
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| The nangawo (Aframomum zambesiacum) | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Monocots |
| Clade: | Commelinids |
| Order: | Zingiberales |
| Family: | Zingiberaceae |
| Subfamily: | Alpinioideae |
| Tribe: | Alpinieae |
| Genus: | Aframomum K.Schum[1] |
| Synonyms[2] | |
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Aframomum is a genus of flowering plants in the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. It is widespread across tropical Africa as well as on some islands of the Indian Ocean (Madagascar, Seychelles, and Mauritius).[2] It is represented by approximately 50 species. Its species are perennials and produce colorful flowers.[3] Several aromatic species with essential oils present in fruits, seeds, leaves, stems, rhizomes, and other plant parts are either edible or used as medicine in Africa.[citation needed]
Aframomum melegueta (Melegueta pepper) is an economically important edible crop in West Africa.[4]
