Grains of paradise, grape-seeded Amomum, guinea grains, maniguette, alligator cardamon (Aframomum sp. – Family Zinziberaceae) These seeds are obtained from any of about fifty species of spice plants in West Africa. The seeds are like grape stones, smooth, shining, and slightly aromatic. Their flavour is weak, although some taste like cardamom, while others have a distinct ginger taste. The fruit is acidic, but refreshing, during times of great thirst. The alligator cardamom is an important ginger-like spice plant in West Africa, and does belong to the Ginger family. It has dark green foot-long leaves and ten-inch flower shoots that arise from basal rhizomes. It is very decorative as well as useful.
