Native to southern India and Sri Lanka, cardamom occurs in the understory of tropical rainforests and will flower and fruit only in tropical conditions in partial to full shade. Growing to 12 feet tall, it has thick, fleshy rhizomes that give rise to erect shoots that bear two rows of lance-shaped leaves, each about 2 feet long. The leaves are smooth and dark green above, and silky and paler beneath. The white flowers develop on separate stems growing along the ground and give way to the oblong fruit capsules that contain 15 to 20 seeds. The seeds are used to flavor foods in all parts of the world and are mixed with betel leaves for chewing. Hardy to Zones 8 –11.