Green cardamom’s new relatives include two species from Kerala

Sub: Env

Sec : Biodiversity

Why in NEWS

Two new species of green cardamom, Elettaria facifera and Elettaria tulipifera, have been discovered in Kerala’s Western Ghats, expanding the known diversity of this important spice.
These new relatives of the commonly used green cardamom highlight the rich biodiversity of the region.

Key highlights and context

Cardamom, known as the “Queen of Spices,” was previously thought to be the sole species in the Elettaria
Recent research has revealed six additional species closely related to Elettaria cardamom (green cardamom). Four of these species were previously classified under the Alpinia genus.
Two are newly identified species discovered and described in the Western Ghats of Kerala, India.

New discoveries of Green Cardamom

The Elettaria genus now contains seven species, including the well-known E. cardamom.
Four species previously classified as Alpinia ( ensal, E. floribunda, E. involucrata, and E. rufescens) have been reclassified into Elettaria.
Green cardamom (E. cardamom) is the third most valuable spice globally (after saffron and vanilla).
facifera is distinguished by its sessile leaves, separate flowering shoots, and white labellum with purple-red markings. The Mannan tribe call it “Vai noki elam.”
tulipifera has tulip-shaped inflorescence and large, bright red bracts.

Cardamom

Cardamom, a highly prized spice, is primarily produced in Guatemala, which leads global production at around 35,000 metric tons Following Guatemala, India is the second largest producer. Other significant cultivators of cardamom include Tanzania, Sri Lanka, El Salvador, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, and Papua New Guinea.
Cardamom cultivation in India is concentrated in the Western Ghats, specifically within the states of Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. Kerala leads production, accounting for 60% of the total output, followed by Karnataka at 30% and Tamil Nadu at 10%.
Idukki district is the primary region for cardamom farming.
It requires evenly distributed rainfall of 1500-4000 mm per year. A temperature range of 10-35°C is ideal for cardamom.
Cardamom grows well in forest loamy soils. Soil pH: 4.2 to 6.8.

Spices board of India

The Spices Board was formed in 1987.

Purpose: It is the Indian government’s regulatory and export promotion agency for spices.
Developing and promoting the spice industry. It also regulates the exports of spices. Setting quality standards for exported spices
Supporting research and development in spice cultivation.
The Spices Board deals with 52 spices listed in the Spices Board Act of 1986.
Headquarters: The board is based in Kochi, Kerala, India.
It is headed by a Chairman, who holds a rank equivalent to Joint Secretary to the Government of India.
The Spices Board has its own brand called Flavourit under which it sells spices.