Elettaria cardamomum

Elettaria cardamomum is a perennial herbaceous plant native to southern India. It grows to 2-4 meters in height. It is the most common species, the seeds of which are used as a spice called cardamom with a sharp, strong and distinctive aroma. The leaves are lanceolate, arranged alternately in two rows 40-60 cm long with a long, pointed end. The flowers are white, lilac or pale purple, gathered in a loose spike. The fruit is a yellow-green pod 1-2 cm long, containing 15 to 20 black and brown seeds.