PRELIMS BITS
- Introduction
- Recent discovery of six close relatives of Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum), expanding the understanding of this vital spice.
- The international research team involved scientists from multiple countries: Denmark, India, Colombia, Czech Republic, Singapore, Sri Lanka, and the U.K.
- Discovery of New Cardamom Species
- Green cardamom was previously considered the only species in its genus.
- Six new species identified, with four originally classified under the genus Alpinia.
- Two new species, Elettaria facifera and Elettaria tulipifera, discovered in Kerala’s Western Ghats.
- Geographical Findings
- Elettaria facifera: Found in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki district.
- Elettaria tulipifera: Found in Agasthyamalai Hills (Thiruvananthapuram) and Munnar (Idukki).
- Unique Features of New Species
- Elettaria facifera: Notable for its open-mouth-shaped fruit, locally called ‘Vai noki elam’ by the Mannan tribe.
- Elettaria tulipifera: Known for its tulip-shaped flower structure and large, red bracts.
- Economic Importance of Green Cardamom
- Green cardamom is one of the top three most economically significant spices, following saffron and vanilla.
- Seed capsules of Elettaria cardamomum are the primary source of commercial green cardamom.
- Historical & Linguistic Connection
- The name Elettaria is derived from the old Malayalam word “elletari,” as documented in the 17th-century botanical work Hortus Malabaricus.