The spice, known as korarima, Ethiopian cardamom, or false cardamom, is obtained from the plant's seeds, usually dried and is extensively used in Ethiopian and Eritrean cuisine.
It is an ingredient in berbere, mitmita, awaze, and other spice mixtures, and is also used to flavor coffee.
Additionally, the seeds are used as a tonic, carminative, and laxative.
The plant is native to western Ethiopia, southwestern Sudan, western Uganda, and Tanzania.
Outside of these areas, it is cultivated in Ethiopia and in Eritrea.