Capsicum pubescens
| Capsicum pubescens | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Solanales |
| Family: | Solanaceae |
| Genus: | Capsicum |
| Species: | C. pubescens |
| Binomial name | |
| Capsicum pubescens Ruiz & Pav. | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
| Heat |
 Very hot |
|---|---|
| Scoville scale | 50,000–250,000 |
Capsicum pubescens is a species of the genus Capsicum (pepper), known as rocoto (Quechua: ruqutu) and locoto (Aymara: luqutu),[2] which is found primarily in Central and South America. It is known only in cultivation.[3] The species name, pubescens, means hairy, which refers to the hairy leaves of this pepper. The hairiness of the leaves, along with the black seeds, distinguish this species from others.[4] As they reach a relatively advanced age and the roots lignify quickly, sometimes they are called tree chili. Of all the domesticated species of peppers, this is the least widespread and systematically furthest away from all others. It is reproductively isolated from other species of the genus Capsicum.[3] A very notable feature of this species is its ability to withstand cooler temperatures than other cultivated pepper plants,[5] but cannot withstand frost.[4]
Physical description
Vegetative characteristics
Like all other species of the genus Capsicum, plants of the species Capsicum pubescens grow as a shrub, but sometimes as climbing plants. They grow into four-meter woody plants relatively quickly, and live up to 15 years, which gives them, especially with age, an almost tree-like appearance.[6] After a first impulse is formed, the plant branches at a height of about 30 cm for the first time, and forms during growth by further dividing into a bushy appearance. More shoots develop from the leaf axils. Some varieties have purple discoloration on the branches, as can be observed in other Capsicum species. The leaves have a 5–12 mm long petiole and a leaf blade ovate to 5–12 cm long, 2.5 to 4 cm wide, tapering at the top and the base is wedge-shaped.[7]
In addition to the relatively long life, Capsicum pubescens differs in many other characteristics from related species.
Flowers
The flowers appear singly or in pairs (rarely up to four) on the shoots, and the branches are at about 1 cm long flower stems, which extend on the fruit to around 4–5 cm. The calyx has five triangular pointed teeth, which have in the fruit a length of about 1 mm. A characteristic different from other cultivated species of the genus Capsicum is the blue-violet-colored petals, brighter in the centre. The anthers are partly purple, partly white.[3]
Distribution
Capsicum pubescens is found in cultivation primarily in north-western South America, as well as southern Central America.[citation needed] It is believed to have evolved from other, more primitive Capsicum species also occurring in the same area.[citation needed] C. pubescens grows at higher elevations than other species, and cannot survive the tropical heat in the lowlands.[5][8]
There are several cultivars of C. pubescens; most are rarely cultivated, and are now relatively scarce.[citation needed]
Cultivars include 'Canario' (yellow), 'Manzano' (red), 'Peron' (pear-shaped), and 'Rocoto Longo' (which was developed in the Canary Islands).[4]
Pictures
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A 'Manzano' pepper plant with ripe pods
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Rocoto flower bud with lots of trichomes, characteristic that gives this species its name
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Typical flower of a Rocoto: purple corolla with white spots in the center
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A bag of frozen rocoto for sale at a California market, 2009
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Wikimedia Commons has media related to Capsicum pubescens. |
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See also
- List of Capsicum cultivars
- Rocoto relleno, baked rocoto stuffed with mince
References
Bibliography
- Charles M. Rick: "Capsicum pubescens, a little-known pungent pepper from Latin America". In: Missouri Botanical Garden Bulletin, Band 36, 1950. pp. 36–42.
- Michael Nee: "Capsicum pubescens". In: Flora de Veracruz, Fasciculo 49, 1986. pp. 28–30. ISBN 84-89600-04-X
- W. H. Eshbaugh: "Biosystematic and evolutionary study of the Capsicum pubescens complex". In: Research reports. 1970 Projects. National Geographic Society, Washington DC 1979, pp. 143–162. ISSN 0077-4626
- Hugh Popenoe u. a.: Lost Crops of the Incas, Little-Known Plants of the Andes with Promise for Worldwide Cultivation. National Academy Press, Washington DC 1989. ISBN 0-309-04264-X (Online)
Notes
- ↑ "The Plant List".
- ↑ Dr. Sergio Zapata Acha, Editor.: Diccionario de Gastronomia Peruana Tradicional. Universidad de San Martin de Pores, Lima, Peru ISBN 9972-54-155-X.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 Livsey, Julian. "Capsicum Genus Guide". Chileman Guides. thechileman.org. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Dave DeWitt and Paul W. Bosland (2009). The Complete Chile Pepper Book: A Gardener's Guide to Choosing, Growing, Preserving, and Cooking. Timber Press. ISBN 978-0881929201.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 National Research Council (U.S.). Advisory Committee on Technology Innovation (1989). Lost crops of the Incas: little-known plants of the Andes with promise for worldwide cultivation. National Academies. pp. 196–197. NAP:14292. Retrieved 1 September 2012.
- ↑ Kosmix Staff, None. "Rocoto Pepper". Chilli Articles. Kosmix.com. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ↑ Duffy, Jim. "Capsicum Pubescens". Chilli Guides. Refining Fire Chillies. Retrieved 7 May 2011.
- ↑ Grubben, G. J. H. (2004). Vegetables. PROTA. pp. 155, 156.
External links
- Plants For A Future
- An informative site generally dedicated to rocoto peppers
- A photograph-laden site (largely in German, with significant English translation) dedicated to Capsicum varietals, including rocoto.
- A small Peru-based guide to capsicum
- An Annotated Guide to Peruvian Restaurants
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