Tree Pepper, Rocoto
Capsicum pubescens

Family: Solanaceae

What it is like

Capsicum pubescens is a PERENNIAL growing to 3 m (9ft) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in flower from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in very acid and very alkaline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers moist soil.

Height (m): 3

Where it is found

Not known

S. America - Andes.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 3

Fruit - raw or cooked. The distinctive thick-fleshed pungent fruits are used as a vegetable condiment or made into a sauce. A hot pungent flavour, it is mainly used as a flavouring in cooked foods. In Peru the seeds are removed, the fruit stuffed with a savoury filling and then baked. The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a pepper-like condiment.

Condiment: the various plants that are used as flavourings, either as herbs, spices or condiments.

Medicine

Rating: 3

The hot and pungent fruit is antihaemorrhoidal when taken in small amounts, antirheumatic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, digestive, irritant, rubefacient, sialagogue and tonic. It is taken internally in the treatment of the cold stage of fevers, debility in convalescence or old age, varicose veins, asthma and digestive problems. Externally it is used in the treatment of sprains, unbroken chilblains, neuralgia, pleurisy etc. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Capsicum for muscular tension, rheumatism.

Antihaemorrhoidal: Treats haemorrhoids (piles). This would probably be best added to another heading.

Antirheumatic: Treats rheumatism.

Digestive: Aids digestion.

Irritant: Causes irritation or abnormal sensitivity in living tissue.

Rubefacient: A counter-irritant and external stimulant, it produces inflammation and redness of the skin.

Sialagogue: Stimulates the secretion of saliva.

Other

Rating:

The growing plant repels insects.

How it is grown

Requires a very warm sunny position and a fertile well-drained soil. Tolerates a pH in the range 4.3 to 8.3. This species is only likely to be hardy in the milder areas of Britain, it can tolerate temperatures down to at least -5°c. It might be possible to get it to fruit outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, especially if given the protection of a sunny wall. Plants are able to continue fruiting for 15 years in cool moist climates.

Propagating it: Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a warm greenhouse. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 20°c. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots of reasonably rich soil and grow them on fast. If trying them outdoors, then plant them out after the last expected frosts and give them the protection of a cloche or frame at least until they are established and growing away well.

Best place to grow: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium, heavy (clay)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Moist

Things to keep in mind

Although no reports have been seen for this species, many plants in this family produce toxins in their leaves. The sap of the plant can cause the skin to blister. Avoid in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants and antihypertensive drugs .

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Brachistus lanceifolius. Capsicum lanceifolium. Capsicum violaceum