After the old groves, or walks, as they are called, are exhausted, a clearing is made in the forest near the old groves, and, through the agency of birds and the winds, seeds are scattered in this open area, and a new grove springs up. When the young trees are two or three years old the weaker ones are cut down. After thus thinning the grove, it requires no further attention. The stems of young pimento trees at one time were exported from Jamaica to England and the United States, to be used for umbrella sticks. Semen Amomi , when dried, becomes brownish-black, round, wrinkled, and umbilicate at the apex.
Boiling water takes up the aroma, and alcohol all the active properties.
The infusion is brown, and has an acid reaction on litmus paper. The latter, upon incineration, leaves 6 per cent of ash. The leaves also contain 0.4 per cent of tannin and 11.25 per cent of ash. Action, Medical Uses, and Dosage. A tincture has been advised as a local remedy in chilblains.