Wild capsicums

Wild capsicum plants are the ancestors of bell peppers, Jalapeños, Habaneros and other domesticated peppers familiar to us today. They only grow naturally in Americas, from Argentina to southwest USA. There are currently about 27..30 known and verified wild capsicum species, but especially Brazil is expected to reveal several new species more from its poorly researched, threatened forest areas in the South-East coast. There are also 3..5 domesticated species depending on any given researcher's opinion.

The description of genus capsicum has been disputed and even partly questionable until these days. Because of this, most information sources still offer limited or downright false information about chile peppers and their backgrounds. Until quite recently, virtually all the information around capsicums has concentrated around the "Andean" or western species. Discovering the eastern "Brazilean" branch of species with their very distinctive features, has suddenly pretty much changed the history of capsicum. And the way we can see chile peppers...

So, don't be surprised if some of the information presented here is somewhat, or even radically different from most sources of information this far. It wasn't many years ago when there was virtually no information about the Brazilean branch of capsicums available. Still 5..10 years ago many if not most researchers considered peppers with 26 chromosomes etc. as at least suspicious, if not clearly unacceptable for genus capsicum. Only now we know that perhaps even half of the known wild capsicums share this trait! In some sense, research around the "big picture" in chile peppers has only now really started. In cases of conflicting information, we have generally followed the latest information from Agentinean and Brazilean researches including Hunziker and Bianchetti.

Most websites and books have chosen to list all the possible pepper naming conventions from past to present, resulting in huge lists of names but quite little real information value. We chose not to list all the synonyms and abandoned, re-classified names here, but instead tried to compile an up-to-date view over what the state of capsicum is right now, in 2006 (and from now on). This task hasn't been easy because of the general chaos concerning classification of capsicum species. Therefore, this list will very likely change when new information is received in the future...

Genus capsicum

The history of capsicum is still quite poorly known. The latest research from Brazil (Bianchetti et al.) suggests that capsicums with 2n=26 chromosomes represent the original ancient, most primitive chile form. These plants apparently grew in wet lowland forests and didn't try to attract birds but possibly bats with their pendant, non-pungent berries. Originally, the primitive capsicums may have grown in a huge area from south-east Brazil (marked in red) to Chile and up to Central America where two species (c.lanceolatum & c.rhomboideum) still grow rare as kind of living fossiles from the past.

When the Andean mountain range was formed, these humid climate rain forest plants had to adapt to completely different conditions of high, dry & open spaces. This adaptation seems to have resulted in pungent, erect berries which attract birds but not mammals. This pungency, the main reason for many chili lovers to grow and enjoy peppers, isn't therefore "native" to chile peppers - it's something that developed much later, to adapt to different growing conditions. For some reason, a pair of chromosomes was lost in the process - and therefore these younger "mountain peppers" which today dominate the world, have a chromosome count of 2n=24. These two evolutionary lines don't cross with each other, according to tests. There are two known bridge species between the Old and New lines: c.flexuosum and c.parvifolium. Both have features from both lines and can be interesting at least for cultivation purposes.

Categorizing plants can be very frustrating, and in case of peppers, it is almost a hopeless task. So, please consider the categorization used here only as a tool to have some - even artificial - clarity to the messy relationships of these plants. The following picture's "green", "orange" and "red" groups are pretty logical, since they group together plants genetically close to each other. What they fail to indicate, though, are the inter-relationships between these groups and especially how all the poorly known "other" species relate to them. In case of "yellow", the proposed original primitive peppers of Brazil & Central America, there are subgroups, too - but it would be far too early to try to describe them here.

The recent work of Hunziker, Barboza, Bianchetti & others has already revealed several, possibly more than 10 new wild capsicums from Brazil alone. This is probably just the beginning. Accepting 26-chromosome varieties such as formerly very disputed capsicum rhomboideum (ciliatum) finally into capsicum may affect some other former classifications as well. It will also be very interesting to see whether capsicum's closest relatives, Athenea, Aureliana, Darcyanthus, Eriolarynx, Vassobia, Larnax, Dunalia and Tubocapsicum will be affected (re-classified) in any way. For us, pepper enthusiasts, it would be very interesting to know more about these virtually unknown "half-peppers" and their possible uses. Unfortunately, most of these plants are virtually impossible to find outside their natural growing areas. Even there the local people don't necessarily know almost anything about them.

The following diagram will, therefore, change in the future. For example, it's likely that there is a relationship between the "green", "orange" and "red" sections of the picture. Those plants are all more or less closely related - the question just is: how? If & when we count the "brown", truly rare, wild species in the picture, things become even more confusing - and interesting! It is almost certain that some, if not all, of "Andean" capsicums are pretty closely related to each other. We simply don't know enough... Right now, the only "real" barrier between the different kinds of peppers seems to be the number of chromosomes they have.

What is interesting is that there seems to be capsicum/"pepper" plants useful for the human beings (those sweet and/or pungent) - and those, the really old ones, not useful for us at all. Or: so it seems...

Some of the latest research gives us something to think about. The only (reluctantly) accepted capsicum with bright yellow flowers used to be capsicum rhomboideum (capsicum ciliatum). The latest addition to "capsicum", c.caballeroi, shares the same trait. C.rhomboideum belongs to the "Eastern" capsicum group with 26 chromosomes. When it comes to c.caballeroi, we simply don't know much anything yet.

This is the grandmother of nearly all commercial hot & sweet peppers we know today. The plant itself is often big, even huge, and lives long (even 30 years). Since this is the ancestor of several domesticated chile species, it's natural that there are several strange variations which represent the development of peppers we today call as Capsicum annuum, Capsicum chinense and Capsicum frutescens. All these three distinctive chile species do cross-breed quite easily, and their earliest, wild forms are genetically very similar. Tepin seems to have developed in several different directions due to its huge (although always scarce in plant numbers) natural growing area. At its Easternmost areas where quite strange Brazilean "eastern peppers" dominate, Tepin grows like a tall, strange little tree with few branches, and its berries have almost no pungency at all. In Mexico, Tepins like to grow in shade, under Mesquite trees.

A Tepin is quite suitable for home growing, due to its low need of maintenance, good resistance against pests, and ability to set fruit without any special tricks needed. The downside of Tepin is its size... It's not an ugly plant, but it tends to conquer space and demand attention to the point where at least some housewives might try veto... Tepin does tolerate cool climates relatively well, but due to its typically very late ripening fruits, it may not be ideal for outdoors growing in short season areas. An excellent spice when dried & ground. The small berries of a typical "Tepin" are very hot with a distinctive, harsh flavour - cowboys are said to have eaten these in order to stay awake! The plant is mostly very sturdy and can tolerate almost any kinds of growing conditions with ease. One thing it (as most capsicums) can't handle, though, is too sudden change of temperature below ca. 3-5°C. Otherwise, it can adapt to surprisingly low, even slightly freezing temperatures and in some cases "return from dead" after spending the winter in some kind of suspended state in a garage, etc. A tough one, and a pride of your chile garden.

Seeds are available in very best special stores and rather commonly in the chilehead community.

Grown virtually all over the Globe, especially on areas where other peppers aren't available.

Cultivated annuum peppers don't generally look very much like their wild cousins. They tend to be rather small, rarely more than about 120cm tall. They also usually have larger leaves and especially flowers, which can be 20..25 mm in diameter or more. Relatively rare South-American varieties tend to differ from those of Mexican, U.S. or Asian origin. The "Cayenne/Thai" -type hot varieties are often small, bushy plants with small, narrow leaves. Most annuum plants share the appearance and size of "paprika" or "bell pepper". Some ornamental varieties may have purple leaves, flowers and even fruit. The fruits can be of about any appearance, heat and taste.

Annuums are generally tricky plants to grow at home or in a garden. They don't usually require such special attention to nutrition, temperature, etc. as e.g. chinenses do. Still, annuums do attract pests like no other pepper - and they also tend to die very easily, especially during the winter time.

Seeds are commercially available everywhere.

Growing has concentrated strongly on Caribbean area and, lately, also in Africa where Habanero is exported especially to Europe. Chinense has commercial value in mainland South-America, too, although there its position may be less significant. Rare in Asia.

Chinense peppers are among the easiest to recognize due to their low, tree-like stems, large, uneven leaves, and small, yellowish, somewhat bell-shaped flowers. And of course, if you taste a chinense, chances are that you'll never forget it... These are by far the hottest peppers in the world, although there are some exceptions to the rule. A typical chinense is relatively small, often wider than tall. The South-American varieties can be quite different from the most common Caribbean varieties. They can have purple tint about everywhere, and the plants can grow very tall, up to 2m.

Chinenses are coveted home-growing peppers, but they are not the easiest plants to grow. They are not nearly as prone to pests and other problems as domesticated annuums are, and do grow quite easily in all kinds of conditions. The problem with chinenses is that they are very demanding about the nutrition, temperature and other details when setting fruit.

Frutescens is mainly grown in Central and South-America, but also in Africa (Piri-Piri) and in Asia.

Frutescens peppers are rather easy to distinguish. The plants are usually tall, tree-like and sturdy, with very flexible branches. The leaves are of medium size and pretty much like annuum leaves, but tend to be darker and shinier. The ultimate difference is the flower. While of the same shape as annuums, the Frutescens flower is almost always smaller, clearly greenish, and has purple anthers (annuum: white). The fruit is almost always a candle-like, 1..5.2cm tall berry with no sweetness and quite high heat. Although C. frutescens is said to be a domesticated pepper, it is closer to wild capsicums than any other domesticated pepper.

Frutescens peppers are quite suitable for home-growing, because the plants are rather pretty, pest-resistant, and also very usable for cooking. They are also rather selective to their growing conditions, and don't necessarily set flowers or fruit very easily.

Seeds are available about everywhere, but many of the claimed frutescens seeds are annuums.

Chacoënse is closely related to C. annuum and can cross-breed with it. The plant is, however, quite different in most aspects. There seems to be quite different forms of chacoënse around. One is a rather large, wildly sprawling bush. Another form is almost tree-like, tall and with much fewer branches. A special case is a variety often called as "capsicum exile" which differs from other chacoënses in many interesting ways (lack of calyx teeth, etc). Chacoënse is normally easy to recognize. Its leaves kind of lack the usual shine of most capsicums, and can be almost heart-shaped. The oblong fruit with 10 very long calyx teeth is unique, too. The flowers are often extremely small for a capsicum and very pretty. The plant mostly grows in low altitudes.

The plant is, perhaps, the easiest of wild chilis to grow at home. It is highly resistant to many pests and needs little attention. It does, however, seem to have a tendency to develop mold problems on its leaves. Chacoënse flowers and sets fruit easily in almost any kind of soil. It doesn't need a lot of light or warmth, either. Some varieties are not very pretty - at worst, an adult "chaco" can look like a massive chaos of countless long, thin branches growing everywhere. The usability of its fruit at home is average; the berries aren't generally very hot and their taste isn't remarkable, either. Some people consider them good when dried and ground, though. It appears that chacoënse can be quite cold, even slightly frost resistant when given enough time to adapt. However, it doesn't seem to like sudden below about +3..5°C temperatures at all...

Seeds may be available in very best special stores, but the best way to acquire them is through the community.

Notes: as one might expect from anything coming from Galapagos Islands, this capsicum is endemic - and very strange! It is a rather small plant with distinctive, densely hairy leaves which spread strong, pleasant odour when touched. The leaves are small, like the pure white, Tepin-like flower and the berries. The shape of leaves resembles C. annuum plants. It also apparently crosses with annuum to some extent.

Galapagoense is one of the most challenging capsicums to grow at home. It clearly demands fundamentally different growing conditions from most other species, and those conditions are still quite unclear (unless, of course, one can recreate the climate etc. of Galapagos...). As result, the plant can grow and even look quite healthy indoors or in a garden, but it doesn't bloom easily - or in some cases, at all. It is also bad at handling cold weather, especially sudden changes of that kind.

Seeds are commercially unavailable, but can very rarely be found from the grower community.

The wild grandmother of the mighty "Aji" peppers of South America is a surprisingly humble, relatively small plant. It resembles the domesticated baccatums, especially the small-leaved, bushy, hot "Lemon Drop" -form plants quite a lot. The plant is generally smaller than wild "Tepin" annuums, and unlike the huge "Aji" baccatums, doesn't necessarily need supports. The leaves are typical to baccatums, light green, smooth and sometimes a bit sticky. The flower is a miniature version of domesticated baccatum flowers, and the tiny berry is very similar to wild annuum berries. Many wild and especially semi-wild baccatum berries seem to have a unique, more or less visible feature: on tip of the berry, there is often either a flat area, or a clear depression. The plants tend to grow on hills and plains.

Wild baccatums are generally as easy to grow at home as their domesticated cousins are. Their practical or ornamental value may not be that great for most due to often weak prolificiency, small and average-tasting berries, and the size of the plant (while not huge, they're definitely not small ornamentals you just place on your window sill). For those interested in chiles, they do, however, offer a fascinating wild plant to research and, possibly, cross-breed to other plants. Wild baccatums may handle suspended low temperatures rather well when given time to adapt, but they also seem to be among the first ones to die if taken too suddenly below about +5°C temperatures.

Seeds may be found from few seed stores, but are more common in the community.

Domesticated baccatum is grown in most parts of Central and South America as well as in the Caribbean Islands. It is very rare in other continents.

There are at least three major variations of domesticated C. baccatum. The best known of these is probably the classic "Aji"; usually a very tall plant with relatively few huge, sticky leaves and a large, pendant, hot & sweet fruit. The second major variation might be called as "Lemon Drop type" according to one of its most coveted varieties. These baccatum plants are a lot smaller, very bushy, with smaller leaves, and bear smaller, very hot fruit with no sweetness at all. The third major type could be called as "Brazilean baccatum". The plant can be of any size, but often it is very tall for a pepper, tree-like, and has a round or flattened fruit. An example of these would be "Starfish". Many smaller varieties have a flower similar to wild baccatums, with green spots. Larger varieties have a much bigger flower with brown spots.

Domesticated baccatums are the easiest capsicums to grow at home. They are seldom very pretty, but don't require much attention, fare rather well against pests, and tend to be quite well-yielding. Small varieties can be early, but bigger ones have a tendency of being late or very late. This is something to consider when growing these plants in short growing season areas.

Seeds are available in good stores, quite common among the growing community.

This rare variety of Capsicum baccatum is still poorly known. It appears to grow in Bolivia-Paraguay-Brazil area both as cultivated and wild. Characteristically very short stigma. More info will follow when available.

Praetermissum is definitely one of the most interesting wild capsicum species, and also a source of much confusion. The plant's appearance varies a lot - enough to confuse it with other species like C. baccatum var. baccatum, C. pubescens and especially c.eximium/cardenasii. Sometimes the leaves are hairy, sometimes silky smooth. Sometimes the flower is purple, sometimes white, sometimes with clear spots, sometimes without them. And so on. The variations seem endless, making it very hard to describe what the plant should actually look like. Most typical praetermissums are distinctive, though, with their hairy leaves and tri-coloured flowers. The wildest forms appear to be among the strangest with round berries, white flowers etc. Sometimes praetermissum looks a lot like certain types of c.eximium/cardenasii, to the point where only the general appearance of the plant can give immediate clues about which one is which. The branches are quite different between the species; praetermissum looks like a "normal" bush, or for example, like a wild annuum bush, while eximium/cardenasii tends to grow longer, thinner, sprawling branches. The difference is difficult to describe, but very apparent when one can compare the plants directly. Praetermissum is a semi-domesticated pepper, and probably also at least one genetical source of some Brazilean domesticated baccatum peppers. Its many variations also probably result from this millennia-long cultivation by man.

These are home growing -friendly plants. They grow well in many kinds of conditions and produce lots of hot, spicy berries. These berries are very useful for cooking due to their special kind of aroma. There really is a lot more taste in these berries than in, for example, wild baccatum berries. The plant itself is rather good looking, but - unfortunately for many indoors-growers - often very, very big. It can handle most pests quite well, but dislikes sudden coldness.

Seeds may be available in some very best seed stores. Also relatively common among serious pepper growers.

Tovari is one of the rarest capsicums grown by hobbyists. It's also one of the smallest species in capsicum, rarely exceeding 1m height. This small mountain chile from Peruvian Andes doesn't look very much like any other capsicum. Its shiny leaves vary a lot in shape & size. The flower is unique in its mixture of yellow and purple tones, with green spots. Many flowers may grow from one spot. Berries are extraordinarily small, only 3-5mm, translucent green when raw, bright red when ripe. Tovari apparently crosses with both c.eximium and C. baccatum, which again may hint at close relationship between these three species.

Growing tovari is easy, although it can be challenging to get any berries. It doesn't require any special conditions and isn't particularly prone to serious pest problems. The plant's practical value for cooking is small, although its tiny berries have the characteristics of a true hot chile pepper. Tovari is, however, a pretty and above all, a very interesting, one-of-a-kind plant that deserves research and protection.

Seeds are not available commercially and are also very rare among growers.

The wildest form of this plant is relatively small (1..1.5m) compared to its cultivated cousins. It grows in a distinctive way, forming very long, thin branches. The leaves are also relatively small and don't have clear congruity to those of c.pubescens. The flowers are tri-coloured, sometimes bell-shaped, sometimes not. Purple (rarely almost white) petals have golden spots surrounded by white. Sometimes they look very much like certain c.baccatum var. praetermissum flowers. The spots are, however, not clearly divided in two sections, as praetermissums' tend to be. The typical fruit is a small, round berry with 5 very clear calyx teeth (see photos). When raw it is dark green, when ripe it is bright red and quite hot.

These wildest forms of this plant are quite easy to grow even indoors, but like many other wild peppers, they may be difficult to get to produce flowers or especially fruit. Their cold tolerance seems average among peppers. For a pepper enthusiast, these are very fascinating, sometimes even quite pretty plants (when they decide to bloom) with lots of mystery and possible unknown discoveries & opportunities for cultivation etc. For average chili grower, the semi-wild "Rocopica" (see below) form is, however, strongly recommended.

This hybrid form is probably an answer to many questions around wild C. eximiums / cardenasiis and domesticated C. pubescens'. It appears to exist both as an established, truly wild form (in Bolivia), and as an ad hoc crossing between these species. As a plant, it tends to be large - a lot bigger than small-berried, truly wild c.eximiums, and even larger than many c.pubescens plants. The leaves are somewhat pubescent and the general habit of the plant is rather erect, bushy, much less sprawling than that of its wilder cousins.

What is very interesting in this variety, is the fact that it doesn't share the "most difficult" traits of both of its parents at all. Unlike both wild c.eximium and domesticated c.pubescens, the "Rocopica" is very easy to grow even indoors, and produces lots of very hot, excellent red berries almost all through the year. The plant itself is a survivor; it can handle pests, hot and cold conditions, drought and about everything with style. It is, although a big plant, also quite pretty. Definitely one of Inferno's all-time favourites for all purposes, including cooking. A serious challenger for all the "common" Cayenne, Thai, Piri-Piri, etc. red peppers with better taste and truly considerable heat!

This is probably the oldest of known domesticated peppers, and among the oldest cultivated plants overall. This at least 8000 years old pepper is, curiously, also the least known today among the domesticated species. It has never spread very far outside its native Andean regions, although there are some varieties growing as far North as in Mexico. The plant 's origin is still partly a mystery. It is known to have a close relationship with Bolivia's wild capsicum eximium (cardenasii), but some researchers still think that the wild original form of "Rocoto" has gone extinct. Pubescens grows on high altitudes, typically at 2000...4000m.

A typical rocoto is a large, sometimes even huge plant with dark, hairy leaves. It doesn't look like almost any other capsicum (c.galapagoense is close, although a lot smaller). It tends to grow as a tall, wide bush when grown in good conditions (like in a greenhouse). It can also grow very tall and sprawling, especially in indoors, when there is not enough light.

The fruits are red (most common), orange or yellow. The red forms tend to have clear sweetness whereas many yellow forms are just scorchingly hot. The aroma and taste of these peppers is, especially in their red forms, relatively close to that of paprika. The fruit is typically of a size of a chicken's egg. The fruit meat is thick and juicy, and therefore especially some yellow forms taste hotter than they actually are. The mixture of different capsaicines in Rocotos is somewhat different from the other domesticated peppers, and therefore, a particularly hot example of a "Canario" (yellow c.pubescens) may surprise even the most experienced chileheads... These peppers are truly delicious - but they can also be very, very hot!

Rocotos are considered to be among the most demanding peppers for home growing. The growing itself isn't a problem. These are very humble, pest-resistant, sturdy plants. The problem is in getting these plants to flower and bear fruit. For that, the conditions have to be exactly right. Rocotos dislike hot conditions, and also too strong, direct sunlight. Yet, they need both light and warmth. They appear to like rather steady conditions where there is enough of light and a temperature of around +25 C all the time. These plants can be quite late too, so it's a good idea to take them indoors before the first frosts. Some Rocotos seem to be non-self-compatible, which is rather rare among capsicums. They may therefore need another plant to set any fruit. These plants can live very long, and although somewhat tricky to grow, they are the favourites of very many chile enthusiasts.

Grows in Santa Cruz, at least in Amboro National Park, in cloud forests of ca. 2000..3000 m altitude. Recently found & verified. A very unique capsicum with long, sharp leaves apparently somewhat like c.lanceolatum's and bright lemon yellow flowers (like c.rhomboideum but no other capsicums). See dried samples here and here.

Growing site 1 Growing site 2 Growing site 3

Seeds are not available.

Recently found & verified.

Seeds are not available.

Apparently, also known as brachistus dimorphus. Grows high on the mountains at 1800..3000m.

Seeds are not available.

A mountain plant, apparently grows at over 2000m. Grows as endemic plant at least in Piura (Bosque Monteseco), Peru. Threatened.

Seeds are not available.

Appears to grow in low altitudes, close to the coast. The form of the calyx is unique in capsicums. There are no giant cells within the fruit.

Seeds are not available.

Grows at least in Piura, Peru (Bosque Monteseco). Very threatened, endemic plant. There are no giant cells within the fruit.

Seeds are not available.

One of the strangest and most fascinating capsicums. This rare bridge-species between the Western and the Eastern capsicums has 24 chromosomes like almost all the Western species do. Still, it does have clear features of the ancient Eastern 26-chromosome group, such as almost non-pungent, pendant fruit and dark seeds.The plant is unlike any more common capsicum with its shiny, kind of wax-coated, narrow, dark leaves. It is not a very large plant, at least indoors (100..150cm). The rather small flower is very much like some wild baccatums and especially the Eastern capsicum varieties with its green or golden spots. The berry is tiny, 3..5mm and matures to orange-red. It has little or some pungency and it is, characteristically, extremely sweet. This is very rare, perhaps even unique trait among wild capsicums.

The plant is very easy to grow in all kinds of conditions, but also, unfortunately, reluctant to set any fruit. It's a beautiful plant, especially while blooming (which occurs almost anytime). It is also highly resistant to most pests. The most surprising and, perhaps, very valuable, feature of c.flexuosum is its extreme frost resistance. Two plants of different origin easily survived suspended conditions of -at least 10..-15C (if not even less) in 2005. This trait definitely needs more research, but it's already safe to say that c.flexuosum can tolerate temperatures far below any other known peppers. This could have interesting consequences....

Seeds are not available commercially, but might be obtained through the grower community with some luck.

The only known capsicum which grows like a small tree. Seems to like low altitudes. Like C. flexuosum, a bridge species between the western and the eastern capsicums (has traits from both groups). Appears to grow in two separated areas.

Seeds are not available.

This capsicum has been used in several comparative chile research projects in Brazil, but very little is publicly known about it. It appears to be a pretty typical "Eastern Capsicum" with probably alltheir normal characteristics like green berry and dark seeds. May not be self-compatible.

Seeds are not available.

The unique feature of this plant is its 2 long and 3 short filaments. There seems to be at least two variations of the plant.

Seeds are not available.

One of only three capsicum species with varying number of calyx teeth.

Seeds are not available.

Seeds are not available.

Lives around the Nova Friburgo forest in the altitude of 1700..2000m. One of the few wild capsicums without corolla spots. Also, its pure lilac corolla is a rather unique feature. Related to c.mirabile.

A newly-found, distinctive species with largest known capsicum flowers and very tall leaves. It is the only so far known capsicum only growing in Eastern Brazilean marshes. The number of calyx teeth varies from 5 to 10. The plant is believed to be closely related to c.cornutum. The variety was named after recently deceased Argentinean capsicum researcher, A.T.Hunziker.

Lanceolatum and c.rhomboideum are believed to be remnants of the very ancient, original chili plants of South America. After land rose in Western parts of the South American continent, these plants remained isolated in Central America, while their other cousins either changed and became our more familiar "Andean capsicums" or found isolated places to grow in at South-East coast of Brazil. This plant is, apparently, close to extinction, and was only recently re-found by Dr. Bosland et al. (with seeds saved). It appears to compete of the same habitats as people of Central American mountains. This seems to be a problem for many wild capsicums. Lanceolatum is a relatively compact, bushy plant with pretty tri-coloured flowers. The calyx teeth are extraordinarily tall.

The fruit ripens from green to bright red and has neither heat, sweetness nor any particular flavour. A tricky plant to germinate and grow at home, it appears. According to Jukka Kilpinen, grows very well in water farming conditions, though.

Seeds are not available through normal routes, but some chili growers have them, and it seems like they're also sold somewhere.

Might be among the more common wild peppers in Brazil.

Seeds are not available.

Endemic to Brazilean states of Espirito Santo and Minas Gerais. The plant grows rare in shady, aquatic depressions and in highly fertile valleys between 1000..1600m altitude. Found only recently. The plant is related to C. flexuosum and C. schottianum.

Seeds are not available.

A large plant, grows at least in Sierra de Bocaina national park west from Rio on 800..1500m altitudes. Appears to be a rather typical large "eastern capsicum" - the curved calyx teeth seem to make this species unique.

Seeds are not available.

Known also as capsicum ciliatum (& witheringia ciliata), this is one of the most disputed species in capsicum. Due to its strange appearance, 13 chromosomes, yellow flowers and lack of pungency, rhomboideum has been thrown in and out of capsicum for decades, depending on what each particular researcher has believed to be fit. Most recent research by e.g. Hunziker, Barboza & Bianchetti has, however, finally placed this plant officially into genus capsicum.

The plant is strange looking, to say the least. It doesn't resemble much any other chile plant - confusion has therefore been understandable. Rhomboideum is a relatively big plant with few, very long branches. Leaves growing from those branches are light green, clearly pubescent and unusually round in their shape. The medium-sized leaves stay unusually firmly attached to the plant (c.pubescens shares this trait). Flower is small, bell-shaped and bright yellow. Unusually long calyx teeth emphasize the small size of the clearly depressed, translucent berries which mature from green to white to red. There are only 1-2 seeds in the tiny berry. There is no pungency, but slight, pleasant sweetness is present in ripe fruits.

Rhomboideum can be grown at home rather easily. It is highly pest tolerant and doesn't require strict conditions. Getting it to bloom and set fruit can, however, be a challenge, as in so many wild capsicums. Blooming nutrients might help. The plant isn't ugly, if not particularly pretty either, especially outside the blooming season. It takes a lot of space, although mostly upwards. Cold tolerance appears to be at least average.

Seeds are not commercially available. Very rare in the chile growers' community.

A large plant. Formerly often believed to be the same as c.flexuosum. Grows in 500..1300m altitude in humid, bushy highlands. Appears to be a rather typical eastern capsicum. Related to c.flexuosum and c.pereirae.

Seeds are not available.

Found in Brazil at least in Minas Gerais, Parana, Rio de Janeiro, Santa Catarina and Sao Paulo. Samples gathered from Boracéia Biologic Reservation in São Paulo and from Itatiaia National Park, Rio de Janeiro. Grows in 800..1300m altitude in bushy, sandy highlands. May live close to capsicum dusenii plants. Apparently two forms: capsicum villosum var. villosum and capsicum villosum var. muticum (Sendtner/Sendtner). Pubescent leaves of at least some sub-varieties seem to be unique for this species.

Seeds are not available.