Chile peppers or chillies or capsicums are a vast group of plants grown for its edible fruits. There are wild species of chile peppers and domesticated species of chile peppers. There are FIVE domesticated species of chile peppers and these are Capsicum annum, C. baccatum, C. chinensis, C. frutescens, and C.pubescens.
Capsicum pubescens: Like other chile pepper plants, Capsicum pubescens is also a native to Central and South America (particularly, Bolivia and Peru). It is considered as the most difficult capsicum species to grow among all the 5 domesticated capsicum species due to its specific growing requirements. It is closely related wild species of capsicums such as C. tovarii, C. cardenasii, and C. eximium.
Major Distinguishing Traits of C. pubescens: The important traits that distinguish C.pubescens plants from other chile pepper plants are its hairy leaves along with its black seeds. C. pubescens plants have relatively a long life (sometimes up to 15 years) than other chile pepper plants and sometimes grow into a small tree and are occasionally referred as ‘tree chili’. C. pubescens plants can withstand cooler temperatures than other chile pepper plants but are frost-sensitive like other chile species. C. pubescens grows at higher elevations than other chile pepper plants.
Major members of C. pubescens group are Rocoto Peppers (e.g. Rocoto Longo) or Quechua Peppers (from Peru), Locoto Peppers or Aymara Peppers (from Bolivia and Argentina), Manzano (apple-shaped) Peppers (from Mexico), and Peron (pear-shaped) Peppers. Other members of this group include ‘Canario’ (yellow), ‘Rojo’ (red), and Orange peppers.
Its scientific name ‘pubescens’, means ‘hairy’, which refers to the hairy leaves of Capsicum pubescens plants.
Plant Description: C. pubescens plants are quick-growing, evergreen perennial, woody shrubs which sometimes grow as tall climbing plants. On full growth, the plant reaches a height of 60-75cm. The plant can grow to 2.5 – 4 meters tall under favourable climate and growing conditions. Leaves are glossy green, ovate with pointed tips with a 5–12 mm long petiole. Each individual leaf measures about 5–12 cm long and 2.5 to 4 cm wide.
Flower and Fruit Description: Purple flowers are either solitary or borne in pairs and stand erect from the shoots. Flowers are with five-toothed calyx, and have purple corollas, with purple and white anthers. Flowers have large nectaries. Fruits are large, fleshy berries which are normally pear- or apple-shaped containing numerous black seeds inside them. Fruits are highly perishable due to its fleshy nature.
Gardening Practices for C. pubescens: Capsicum pubescens is the most difficult of the five domesticated species to grow because of its specific climatic and growing requirements. The plant needs cool temperatures and frost-free environment for its growth. Capsicum pubescens is adapted to cooler temperatures and grows well at a temperature range of 4.4° to 21.1°C (40° to 70°F). However, the plant needs frost protection as it is frost-sensitive like other chile pepper plants. It prefers highly fertile, humus-rich, well-drained loamy soils. Propagation is by seeds. Transplanting is done when seedlings are about 8 – 10 cm tall. The plant needs moderate watering and manuring for its growth. The plant has a long growing season.
Health Benefits of Capsicum pubescens: Capsicum pubescens peppers are grown for different purposes such as for vegetables, spices, condiments, sauces and pickles. Capsicum pubescens may be processed into dry chillies for export purposes and long term usage. Capsicum pubescens peppers are rich in vitamins, minerals and total dietary fiber. It is rich in calcium and Vitamin C. Capsicum pubescens peppers are moderate source of protein, carbohydrate, and sugars also. Capsicum pubescens peppers are also a good source of capsaicin, a major antioxidant. Capsicum pubescens peppers are believed to have some medicinal properties also.
Capsicum pubescens peppers have a soothing effect on the digestive system and it is a good home remedy for colds, sore throats and fevers. Capsicum pubescens peppers are known for its heart stimulant properties. Capsicum pubescens peppers are believed to be used effectively for alleviating medical conditions such as cancers (prostate cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer), painful joints, toothaches, bronchitis, headaches, ulcers (stomach ulcers, peptic ulcers), arthritis, frostbite and psoriasis. Capsicum pubescens peppers stimulate blood circulation, stop bleeding, and reduce cholesterol. It is recommended as a weight loss diet also. It is believed that Capsicum pubescens peppers detoxify carcinogens from the human body system.
Food Uses of Capsicum pubescens Peppers: Capsicum pubescens peppers are added as an ingredient in a variety of hot and spicy food and culinary preparations. Capsicum pubescens peppers may be used in different ways to produce different flavours. Grinding the fresh fruits produces a particular, palatable pungent flavor. Grinding the dried fruits gives another strongly pungent flavour. Toasting or frying dried fruits before grinding produces yet another smoky, less pungent flavour. Soaking the fruits in water produces yet another type of flavour.
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