Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) Aframomum corrorima
Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) (Aframomum corrorima) is an evergreen perennial herb in the Zingiberaceae family, native to South-western Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania (moist montane forest). It grows 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) tall and 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) wide, wants shade and high water, and is hardy to about 8 °C (46 °F). Space plants about 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart.
Plan Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) at a glance
| Type | Perennial herb, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Zingiberaceae |
| Mature height | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Mature spread | 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft) |
| Spacing | 1.5 m (4.9 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Shade, at least 2 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | High; drought tolerance none, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 5–6.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About 8 °C (46 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 11) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 30 °C (86 °F) |
| Flowering | about 156–209 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks |
| Wind tolerance | None |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: seeds (spice in berbere, mitmita, coffee and tea) |
| Native to | South-western Ethiopia, Sudan, Uganda and Tanzania (moist montane forest) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇪🇹 Ethiopia |
Is Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: not known to be toxic
- Dogs: not known to be toxic
Not poisonous.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like shade and high water.
Questions about Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom)
- How far apart should I plant Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom)?
- About 1.5 m (4.9 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 1–2 m (3.3–6.6 ft).
- Does Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) need full sun?
- Shade: at least 2 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) need?
- High water. Drought tolerance is none and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom)?
- It tolerates about 8 °C (46 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 11.
- When does Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) flower?
- About 156–209 weeks after planting, for 9–13 weeks.
- Is Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is not known to be toxic; for dogs not known to be toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Not poisonous.
- What grows well with Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Korarima (Ethiopian cardamom). Group it with plants that like the same sun (shade) and water (high).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- Plants of the World Online (taxonomy, native range), Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
- PROTA4U: Plant Resources of Tropical Africa, PROTA Foundation, Wageningen
Notes and assumptions
- Grown in shade under forest trees in south-west Ethiopia, often with coffee. The flowers open at ground level; the dried red pods are sold in every Ethiopian market.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
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- Torch ginger Etlingera elatior
- Shell ginger Alpinia zerumbet
- Red ginger Alpinia purpurata
- Beehive ginger Zingiber spectabile
- Siam tulip Curcuma alismatifolia