Green Cardamom (Elettaria) is a member of the ginger family known for its eucalyptus-like floral, citrus flavor and aroma. Also known as "Ceylon cardamom" or "true cardamom," this plant is considered one of the world's most valuable spice crops. cardamom, spice consisting of whole or ground dried fruits, or seeds, of Elettaria cardamomum, a herbaceous perennial plant of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae). The seeds have a warm, slightly pungent, and highly aromatic flavour somewhat reminiscent of camphor. Elettaria cardamomum, commonly known as green cardamom or true cardamom, is a herbaceous, perennial plant in the ginger family, native to southern India. It is the most common of the species whose seeds are used as a spice called cardamom that has a sharp, strong, punchy aroma.