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AFRAMOMUM MELEGUETA - ALLIGATOR PEPPER. Synonym Amomum melegueta. Common name Grains of paradise, nengrekondre pepre, alligator pepper, guinea grains, graines de paradis, atar, paradies kõrner, grani de Meleguetta, paradijs korrels, Grana paradise, poivre de Guinée, malaguette, Malagettapfeffer, grani de paradiso. Family Zingerberaceae (Ginger family). Overview Alligator pepper is a tropical perennial growing up to 5' tall; originally from West Africa; brought over to Surinam by the slaves. The trumpet-shaped, purple flowers develop into 5 - 7 cm long grayish - brown pods (capsules) containing the numerous seeds. These are almost oval in shape, hard, shiny, and have a reddish-brown in color. It has lanceolate leaves up to 9" long. Alligator pepper is originally from West Africa and brought over to Surinam by the slaves. The numerous seeds are borne in grayish - brown capsules. The important part of this plant is the seed; the small (3-4 mm =1/8") reddish - brown seeds have a pungent aroma with a pepper - like heat. This spice is tempered with among others, flavors reminiscing of hazelnut, butter and citrus. The essential oil from grains of paradise consists of two sesquiterpenes, humelene and caryophyllene and the oxides of these. It is used to flavor dishes in Surinam; the rhizome is an important part from the diet of Western lowland gorillas in Africa. Medicinal applications As a purgative, galactogogue (to increase production of breast milk), anthelmintic- and hemostatic agent (purifies the blood). It is also effective against schistosomiasis (bilharzia). Further is it used against intestinal infections, infestations, to calm indigestion and heartburn. The seeds of Aframomum melegueta possess potent anti-inflammatory activity with a favorable gastric tolerability profile. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterols, triterpenes, and oils, while the methanol fraction contains alkaloids, glycosides, tannins, flavonoids, sterols, and resins. Hardiness USDA zone 9 - 11. Propagation Seeds and rhizomes. Culture Full sun / partial shade; well drained soil. It needs high humidity. Plant in frost free spots. |