| Aframomum | |
|---|---|
| |
| Unidentified Aframomum in flower | |
| |
| 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] | |
| |
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]
- ^ The genus Aframomum was first published as a taxon in Das Pflanzenreich ["The Plant Kingdom"] IV. 46(Heft 20): 201. 1904, with no type species given. "Name – Aframomum K.Schum". Tropicos. Saint Louis, Missouri: Missouri Botanical Garden. Retrieved 18 June 2011.
Note: type not designated
- ^ a b Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
Tane_etalwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Blench, Roger (2006). Archaeology, language, and the African past. Altamira Press. ISBN 9780759104655.