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Aframomum

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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]

Species

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Species are:[2]

See also

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References

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  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 c Kew World Checklist of Selected Plant Families
  3. ^ Tane, Pierre; Tatsimo, Simplice D.; Ayimele, Godfred A.; Connolly, Joseph D. Bioactive metabolites from Aframomum species. 11th NAPRECA Symposium Book of Proceedings. Antananarivo, Madagascar. pp. 214–223. Archived from the original on 23 July 2011. Retrieved 7 February 2011.
  4. ^ Blench, Roger (2006). Archaeology, language, and the African past. Altamira Press. ISBN 9780759104655.