According to the Pharmacopoeia of China, Amomum villosum and green shell sand are oval or ovoid with inconspicuous triangular shape, with a length of1.5 ~ 2 cm and a diameter of1~1.5 cm. The surface is brown, densely spiny, with perianth residues at the top and often pedicels at the base. The peel is thin and soft. The seeds are clustered, with three obtuse edges and a white diaphragm in the middle. The seed cluster is divided into 3 petals, and each petal has 5 ~ 26 seeds. The seeds are irregular polyhedrons with a diameter of 2 ~ 3 mm; The surface is brownish red or dark brown, with fine wrinkles and light brown membranous aril; Hard, gray endosperm. The gas is fragrant and strong, and the taste is pungent and cool, slightly bitter.

Hainan sand: oblong or ovoid with obvious triangular shape, with a length of1.5 ~ 2 cm and a diameter of 0.8 ~1.2 cm. The surface is covered with flaky and branched soft thorns, and the base is marked with fruit stalks. The peel is thick and hard. The seed cluster is small, with 3 ~ 24 seeds per petal; Seed diameter1.5 ~ 2mm. The smell is a little light.