Aframomum angustifolium, known as "wild cardamom" in English, is a species in the ginger family Zingiberaceae that grows in tropical Africa and in Madagascar.

In Madagascar, it is known as longoza, due to its use as a source of energy during long hunting treks (lona "long hours", and hoza "to experience diificulties"). The species name, angustifolium, means "narrow-leaved" in Latin.

Aframomum angustifolium

It is herbaceous and like other plants of this family, its erect "stems" consist of layered tubular leaf bases. The fruit is a berry containing many seeds surrounded by sugary-sweet and sour edible pulp. The crushed seeds are also used as a peppery spice. The leaves are also used as disposable receptacles for eating rice.

Aframomum angustifolium

References

Flora of East Tropical Africa

Flora of Madagascar

Fruits originating in Africa

angustifolium

Aframomum angustifolium