Genus Elettaria refers to a group of plants in the family Zingiberaceae. These plants are commonly known as cardamom and are native to tropical and subtropical regions of South Asia. There are several synonyms for the genus Elettaria, including Amomum cardamomum, Cardamomum majus, and Elettaria cardamomum. The plants typically grow up to 4 meters in height and produce pods containing small black seeds that are commonly used as a spice in cooking and baking. Cardamom has a strong, aromatic flavor and is often used in Indian and Middle Eastern cuisine. It is also used in traditional medicine for digestive issues and bad breath.