Aframomun melegueta Also called "Grains of paradise", "Guinea grains" and "Melegueta pepper", these small seeds look like cardamom but have a character all their own. The spice is native to West Africa and during medieval times was used to flavor food. It has also been used as a pepper substitute. While it does have a peppery zing, it also has notes of citrus and an "earthy" pine aroma.