Aframomum angustifolium, known as "wild cardamom" in English,[1] is a species in the ginger family Zingiberaceae that grows in tropical Africa and in Madagascar.
Aframomum angustifolium is herbaceous and like other plants of this family, its erect "stems" consist of layered tubular leaf bases. The fruit is a berry containing many seeds surrounded by sugary-sweet and sour edible pulp.
The species name, angustifolium, means "narrow-leaved" in Latin.
In Madagascar, it is known as longoza, due to its use as a source of energy during long hunting treks (lona "long hours", and hoza "to experience diificulties").[2]
The plant's crushed seeds are used as a peppery spice. The leaves are also used as disposable receptacles for eating rice.