Aframomum

Aframomum
Unidentified Aframomum in flower
The nangawo (Aframomum zambesiacum)
Scientific classification Edit this 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]
  • Alexis Salisb., without description
  • Marogna Salisb., without description

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]

  1. ^ 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
  2. ^ a b Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  3. ^ Cite error: The named reference Tane_etal was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  4. ^ Blench, Roger (2006). Archaeology, language, and the African past. Altamira Press. ISBN 9780759104655.