Amomum subulatum

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Photographs by: Dr. Maulik Gadani

Habit : A herb
Leaves : Ligulate, 3-4 mm, membranous, apex rounded, emarginate; petiole absent or nearly so on proximal leaves, 1-3 cm on distal ones; leaf blade oblong-lanceolate, glabrous, base rounded or cuneate, apex long cuspidate.
Inflorescence : Spikes subturbinate, peduncle present, scalelike sheaths brown; bracts pale red, ovate, apex obtuse with horny cusp; bracteoles tubular, apex acute, emarginate.
Flowers : Calyx glabrous, 3-cleft to middle; lobes subulate. Corolla tube equaling calyx; lobes yellow, central one subulate at apex. Lateral staminodes red, subulate. Labellum with yellow midvein, oblong, white pubescent, veins conspicuous, apex involute.
Anthers with connective appendage elliptic, entire.
Fruit : Capsule purple or red-brown, globose, 2-2.5 cm in diam., with 10 undulate wings, apex with persistent calyx.
Flowering and Fruiting Time : May - September
Significance :
- Seeds are useful in cough, gas, indigestion, vomiting, teeth and gum problems and thirst.
- It is also employed in tonic to heart and as diuretic.