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Solanaceae
Capsicum

not marked as a favorite taxon Capsicum annuum Linnaeus. Common name: Bell Pepper, Chile, Pimiento, Paprika, Chile Piquin, Ancho, Cayenne, Pepperoncini, Jalapeño, Serrano, Chiltepin (and many others). Phenology: Jun-Dec (-May). Habitat: Naturalized or persistent from gardens; commonly cultivated, rare as a naturalized species. Distribution: Native of Mexico (but early spread through Central America by native Americans, and since nearly worldwide in distribution at least in cultivation). A very influential food crop introduced from the New World to the Old World, now important in various (especially tropical or subtropical) cuisines, including Hunan, Szechuan, Indian, Thai, various African, Mexican, and others

Glossary (beta!)

Origin/Endemic status: South America

Taxonomy Comments: The wild form, var. glabriusculum, was certainly present at one time in the Southeast and may still be represented in our area as reverted forms; it probably cannot be reliably distinguished from cultivars of C. annuum, and the two are not here distinguished taxonomically.

Other Comments: The great majority of our cultivated forms of peppers and chilies are of this species. Basionym: Capsicum annuum L. 1753

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Horticultural Information

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