AMOMUM MELEGUETA. 



Photo by E. F. Macmillan. 



Grains of Paradise. 



Grains of Paradise. Guinea Grains, or Melegueta Pepper (Amomum Melegueta. N. O. Scitamineae).- A herbaceous 

 bushy perennial, 4 to 5 ft. high, native of West Tropical Africa, and belonging to the Ginger and Cardamom family The 

 small dark aromatic seeds are imported from the Gold Coast into Europe, where they are used chiefly in cattle medici ne, for 

 flavouring cordials, and for imparting an artificial strength to spirits, wine and beer. In Africa they are largely used by 

 the natives to season food, and are considered very wholesome. It is said that about 1,000 cwt. of this spice is imported 

 annually into England, and sold for 80s. to gos. per cwt. The plant has been introduced at Peradeniya in 1867, and is 

 found to thrive here in ordinary soil and partial shade — H. F. M. 



