Capsicum is a popular species cultivated world wide. Despite being a single
species, the capsicum annum has many forms, with a variety of names, even in
the same language. In American English it is commonly known as the chili
pepper, although not all varieties would be recognised by most speakers under
this name. In British English, they are all called peppers, whereas in
Australian and Indian English there is no commonly-used name encompassing all
its forms, the name capsicum being commonly used for bell peppers exclusively.
Its forms are varied, from large to small, sweet to sour, very hot to bland.
The plant is a herbaceous annual, with a densely branched stem. The plant
reaches 0.5–1.5 m (20–60 in). Single white flowers bear the fruit which is
green when unripe, changing principally to red, some varieties may ripen to
brown or purple. While the species can tolerate most climates, they are
especially productive in warm and dry climates.
Capsicum orginated from Central America where most of the main varieties were
developed by local Indians. Once peppers were discovered by the Spaniards and
Portuguese they were rapidly introduced worldwide and eagerly incorporated
into local cuisines.
Identification credit: Tabish
Photographed in Delhi.
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The flower labeled Capsicum is ...