Contents
Description
Capsicum Frutescens, commonly known as the pepper plant, is a species of chili pepper native to the Americas. It is a perennial plant that can grow up to 1 meter tall and produces small, colorful fruits that are used in a variety of cuisines around the world. The plant is known for its pungent, spicy flavor, which is attributed to the compound capsaicin found in its fruits.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Angiosperms |
| Class | Dicotyledons |
| Order | Solanales |
| Family | Solanaceae |
| Genus | Capsicum |
| Species | Frutescens |
Appearance
Capsicum Frutescens has a bushy growth habit with small green leaves that are 2-5 cm long. The flowers are small, white, and star-shaped, and they are followed by small, elongated fruits that can be red, orange, yellow, or green depending on the variety. The fruits are typically 1-2 cm long and 0.5-1 cm wide, and they have a pointed tip and a smooth, glossy skin.
Care Guide
To care for Capsicum Frutescens, you will need to provide it with regular watering, fertilization, and sunlight. The plant prefers well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter, and it should be placed in a location that receives at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. The plant is hardy in USDA zones 9-11, but it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter months in colder climates.
Common Pests & Diseases
Capsicum Frutescens is susceptible to a number of pests and diseases, including aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and thrips. It can also be affected by fungal diseases such as powdery mildew and root rot. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plant well-watered but not waterlogged, and to remove any infected leaves or fruits as soon as possible.
Habitat
Capsicum Frutescens is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, where it grows in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and savannas. It is commonly cultivated as a food crop in many parts of the world, and it can be found in home gardens, commercial farms, and botanical collections.
Questions and Answers
Q: How do you propagate Capsicum Frutescens?
A: Capsicum Frutescens can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. To grow from seeds, simply plant them in moist soil and keep them warm and well-lit until they germinate. To grow from cuttings, take a stem cutting and place it in moist soil or water until roots form, then transplant it to a larger container or the garden.
Q: How often should you fertilize Capsicum Frutescens?
A: Capsicum Frutescens should be fertilized once a month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Q: How can you tell if Capsicum Frutescens is ripe?
A: Capsicum Frutescens fruits will turn from green to their mature color (red, orange, yellow, etc.) when they are ripe. The fruit should feel firm to the touch and have a glossy, smooth skin.
Q: Can Capsicum Frutescens be grown indoors?
A: Yes, Capsicum Frutescens can be grown indoors in a sunny location. It is best to grow it in a pot that is at least 30 cm in diameter and to provide it with regular watering and fertilization.
Related Plants
- Capsicum annuum
- Capsicum baccatum
- Capsicum chinense
- Capsicum pubescens
References
- https://www.britannica.com/plant/Capsicum-frutescens
- https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pepper/growing-capsicum-frutescens.htm
- https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/16292/Capsicum-frutescens/Details
