The genus ‘Capsicum’ consists of different types of chile pepper plants. ‘Chile pepper’ is also known as ‘chili pepper’ or ‘chilli pepper.’ Chile peppers belong to the genus Capsicum and family Solanaceae. Chile peppers are one of the most valuable crops cultivated across the globe. There are about 30 species of plants in the genus ‘Capsicum’; however only 5 species are domesticated or cultivated on a large scale. Rest of the species are found in the wild. Chile peppers are believed to be originated in the Americas.

Five cultivated/domesticated species of chile peppers are Capsicum chinense, Capsicum pubescens, Capsicum annuum, Capsicum baccatum, and Capsicum frutescens. Among these, Capsicum annuum is the most cultivated chile pepper species. Most of the chile pepper varieties that are available in the market belong to the group Capsicum annuum.

There are several wild species of chile pepper plants that can be exploited for commercial cultivation. Capsicum chacoense is one of these wild chile peppers. Most of the wild species of capsicums are of Brazilian origin. Major among them are Capsicum caatingae, Capsicum recurvatum, Capsicum mirabile, Capsicum dusenii, Capsicum longidentatum, Capsicum leptopodum, Capsicum buforum, and Capsicum campylopodium.

Capsicum dimorphum, Capsicum geminifolium and Capsicum hookerianum are wild capsicum species native to the region comprising of Colombia and Ecuador. Capsicum coccineum and Capsicum minutiflorum are wild capsicum species native to Bolivia and surrounding regions. Capsicum scolnikianum and Capsicum tovarii are wild capsicum species native to Peru.

Other wild species of capsicums include Capsicum cardenasii, Capsicum chacoense, Capsicum cornutum, Capsicum exile, Capsicum eximium, Capsicum galapagoense, Capsicum lanceolatum, Capsicum parvifolium, Capsicum praetermissum, Capsicum rhomboideum, Capsicum schottianum, and Capsicum villosum.

Capsicum chacoense: Capsicum chacoense is a wild species of Capsicum. C. chacoense is believed to be a native to the region comprising of Argentina, Bolivia, and Paraguay. Common names of the plant are ‘Tova’ or ‘Covincho’ (Paraguay), ‘ají putaparió’ (Argentina), and ‘ají puta madre’ (Chile). A major cultivar is ‘Sparky‘. The plant produces very hot, edible fruits (50,000–75,000 SHU).

Plant Description: Capsicum chacoense is a small, erect, evergreen perennial shrub with woody, evenly-branched stems. The plant grows to 80 cm and up to 1 meter in height. Leaves are large, flat, and medium-green in colour. Leaves are roundish with a point at the end. The plants can be grown as annual in cool, moderate climates.

Flower and Fruit Description: Flowering season is summer. Flowers are small, and white-coloured with five petals. Fruit is a berry and is triangular. Fruit measures about 2.5 cm long and 0.5 cm wide when fully ripe. Ripe fruits are fleshy, bright red in color and are very hot. These hot, pungent fruits are edible and are used as a spice and condiment.

Growing Practices: Like other chile pepper plants, C. chacoense is also subtropical and tropical in growth habit. The plants like sunny locations, and a warm, humid climate for their growth. A well-drained, sandy loam soil with high organic matter is the most ideal soil. Propagation is by seeds and the seeds germinate in 3 – 4 weeks. Transplanting is done when seedlings are about 8 – 10cm tall. It is a high-yielding capsicum species and the plant crops heavily each season. Well-established plants keep producing for 4-5 years.

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