3rd February 2025 (12 Topics)

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‘Cardamom Conundrum’ Solved

Context

Cardamom, often called the "Queen of Spices," has long been a symbol of aromatic and flavorful spices. For years, it was believed that only one species of cardamom existed in the genus Elettaria—Elettaria cardamomum (green cardamom). However, recent research reveals that this spice has a number of wild relatives, leading to the reclassification of cardamom species.

Key-highlights of the Research

An international research team has discovered that green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is not alone in its genus, as previously thought.
The team has now identified six closely related species of cardamom, expanding the genus Elettaria from one to seven species. This breakthrough changes the understanding of cardamom’s diversity and potential uses.
Previous Classification: Earlier, four species (previously classified under the genus Alpinia) were reclassified under Elettaria. These species are:
- ensal
- floribunda
- involucrata
- rufescens
Newly Identified Species: Two entirely new species of cardamom were identified and described from the Western Ghats in Kerala:
- Elettaria facifera: Found in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki district.
- Elettaria tulipifera: Found in the Agasthyamalai Hills (Thiruvananthapuram and Munnar).

Newly Identified Species

Elettaria facifera:
- Location: Found in Periyar Tiger Reserve, Idukki, Kerala.
- Distinct Features:
  - Sessile leaves (leaves that don’t have petioles).
  - Erect flowering shoots separate from the leafy shoots.
  - White labellum (part of the flower) with purple-red markings.
- Local Name: The Mannan tribe calls it "Vai noki elam" (translated as "Open-mouth cardamom") due to the shape of its fruit, which resembles an open mouth.
Elettaria tulipifera:
- Location: Found in Agasthyamalai Hills (Thiruvananthapuram and Munnar, Kerala).
- Distinct Features:
  - Tulip-shaped inflorescence (flower structure).
  - Bright red or dark red bracts (modified leaves that surround the flower).

Green cardamom

The true ‘Cardamom’ of commerce is the dried capsules obtained from the perennial plant Elettariacardamomum Maton of the family Zingiberaceae.
Green cardamom, often called the "Queen of Spices," is one of the world’s most valuable spices, ranking just after saffron and vanilla.
The seeds from Elettaria cardamomum are used to make the commercial green cardamom spice, widely used in cooking, sweets, and beverages.
As a result, these discoveries hold economic significance as they may lead to better
It is one of the three most economically important species in the ginger family.
The Western Ghats, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to these species but also faces ecological pressures.
Major cardamom producing countries: India, Gautemala, Srilanka, Thailand and Cambodia

The First Salvo

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Economy Trade and Commerce

India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC)

International Relations Miscellaneous

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International Relations Miscellaneous

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Polity & Governance Governance

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Economy Miscellaneous

US Imposes New Tariffs

Economy Trade and Commerce

Sree Gowreeswara Temple

Art and culture Indian Culture

PM-JANMAN Package

Polity & Governance Government Schemes

Sakkarakottai and Therthangal Bird Sanctuaries

Ecology and Environment Biodiversity

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

3rd February 2025 (12 Topics)

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‘Cardamom Conundrum’ Solved

Key-highlights of the Research

Newly Identified Species

Green cardamom

Still Have Questions?

GS Analyst: Daily Current Affairs

‘Cardamom Conundrum’ Solved

Key-highlights of the Research

Newly Identified Species

Green cardamom

Still Have Questions?

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