Which plant is the botanical source of the spice green cardamom?

Elettaria cardamomum is the botanical source of the spice commonly called green cardamom.

This perennial herb belongs to the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, and is native to southern India and nearby parts of the region. Its small green fruits contain aromatic seeds, which are used whole or ground in cooking, baking, drinks, and traditional medicine.

Green cardamom is often called true cardamom to distinguish it from black cardamom. Black cardamom usually comes from species in the genus Amomum and has a larger, smoky-tasting capsule produced by drying over heat. The two spices are related but are not interchangeable in flavor.

Cardamom plants grow from underground rhizomes and produce leafy shoots and flowering stems. Commercial cultivation now occurs in several tropical countries, but the spice’s historical association with India remains strong.