Large Cardamom variety · Traditional cultivar
Bharlange
Also known as Bharlangey, Bharlange cultivar
Indigenous landrace of South Regu, East Sikkim and Gotak, Kalimpong subdivision, Darjeeling; noted for high-altitude performance · Farmer-maintained traditional selection
Exceptional high-altitude performer; yields increase markedly above 1500 m MSL. Robust plant type with maroon-ish green to maroon collar zone. Bold, large capsules (50–65 seeds); three spikes per productive tiller average.
Key facts
| Type | Traditional cultivar |
|---|---|
| Origin | Indigenous landrace of South Regu, East Sikkim and Gotak, Kalimpong subdivision, Darjeeling; noted for high-altitude performance |
| Breeder / source | Farmer-maintained traditional selection |
| Parentage | Wild Himalayan germplasm |
| Yield | Exceptionally high yield at higher altitudes (1500 m and above); reported 3 spikes per tiller with 20 capsules per spike |
| Tolerance | Susceptible to Chirke and Foorkey viruses; grown primarily for superior capsule size and altitude performance despite disease pressure |
| Distinctive features | Robust plant type; total tillers 60–150 per plant; maroon collar zone; large bold capsules (50–65 seeds); 3 spikes per productive tiller; excellent market colour; high market value for bulk, quality pods |
| Grown in | South Regu (East Sikkim) and Gotak (Kalimpong, Darjeeling); optimal 1500–2000 m MSL |
| Also known as | Bharlangey, Bharlange cultivar |
Figures are indicative, compiled from public agricultural sources (ICAR institutes, State Agricultural Universities, the Spices Board and the National Innovation Foundation) and vary with soil, season and management. Confirm with your local package of practices.
Bharlange in detail
A high-altitude Himalayan large cardamom with bold, maroon capsules that performs well above 1500 metres, where many other cultivars yield less.
Origin & story
Indigenous landrace from South Regu (East Sikkim) and Gotak (Kalimpong, Darjeeling), maintained by farmers in the region. It is a farmer-maintained traditional selection with no recorded breeder attribution.
How it grows
Performs strongly at high elevations, with yields increasing markedly above 1500 m above sea level compared with lower-elevation plantings. The robust plant type produces roughly 60–150 tillers per plant, with an average of about three spikes per productive tiller. Suited to the cool, moist conditions of the eastern Himalayan montane belt of Sikkim and Darjeeling.
Quality & character
Maroonish green to maroon collar zone. Large, bold capsules carrying about 50–65 seeds each. Prized for its deep, characteristic maroon market colour.
Why it matters to buyers
Commands high market value for bulk, quality pods owing to its large capsule size and distinctive maroon colour. As with large cardamom generally, plantings are susceptible to the viral diseases Foorkey and Chirke, which can cause significant yield loss if left unmanaged.
About large cardamom
Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum), India's "black gold" of the spice world, thrives in the misty Himalayan valleys where ancient landrace traditions meet modern breeding science. From the indigenous Lepcha cultivars of Sikkim to formally released high-yielding selections, this aromatic capsule spans altitude zones and carries each region's terroir in its…
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