Capsicum annuum L. - Capsicum, Chillie, Red or Sweet Pepper

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Taxonomic Classification

Kingdom: Plantae

Division: Magnoliophyta

Class: Magnoliopsida

Subclass: Asteridae

Order: Solanales

Family: Solanaceae

Genus: Capsicum

Species: C.annuum



Many botanical species and varieties have been raised within the genus Capsicum, and therefore, the classification is very confused. However, many authors recognize two main species; C.annuum and C.frutescens as follows.

Usually annual, fruits borne singly ……………………..C.annuum

 Usually perennial, fruits borne in groups……………….C.frutescens 


There are many cultivars, based on the differences of shape and colour of fruits.
  1. Var. abbreviatum: fruits: ovate, wrinkled, 5cm or less
  2. Var. accuminatum: fruits: linear-oblong, pointed & pungent, over 9cm
  3. Var. cerasiforme: fruits: globosely, 1-2.5cm diameter, red, yellow or purple, pungent
  4. Var. conoides: fruits: erect, conical, 3cm, very pungent
  5. Var. fasciculatum: fruits: clustered, erect, slender, 7.5cm, very pungent, a form of C.frutescens
  6. Var. grossum: fruits: large with basal depression, inflated, red or yellow, flesh thick and mild
  7. Var. longum: fruits: drooping, tapering at apex, 20-30cm long, red, yellow or ivory, mild, calyx not embracing fruits

Morphological characters

Stem: The plant is a variable herb or sub-shrub and often woody at base. It is usually grown as an annual. The stem is erect and branched.

Roots: The plant possesses a well-developed tap root system, but when it is disturbed, profusely grown lateral roots are formed.

Leaves: The leaves are simple and variable in size. The leaf lamina is broadly lanceolate to ovate and sub glabrous. The leaf has an entire margin, acuminate apex and cuneate or acute base.

Flowers: The flowers are usually borne singly and terminally, but appear to be axillary due to the form of branching. The calyx is campanulate, 5 dentate, enlarging and enclosing the base of the fruit. The corolla is rotate and campanulate, deeply 5-6 partite and white or greenish colour. Five to six stamens inserted near the base of corolla. The anthers are bluish colour. The ovary is superior and two-locular with a simple style and a capitate stigma.

      Fruit: The fruit is an indehiscent berry with 3-5mm long, pale yellow seeds.


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