Capsicum flexuosum
Capsicum flexuosum Sendtn.
Capsicum flexuosum is a species in the genus Capsicum, family Solanaceae, native to southern Brazil, Paraguay, and parts of Argentina. It is a variable plant with a zig-zag branching pattern and pubescence that can range from absent to dense. The species exhibits morphological variation, including differences in leaf pubescence and corolla pigmentation. It is the only member of the Flexuosum clade. Unlike most chili peppers, it is only mildly pungent and has self-compatibility issues.
Description
Capsicum flexuosum is an erect subshrub or shrub, 0.9 to 2 m tall, occasionally reaching 2.5 m as a small tree. It has dichotomously branching stems with a zig-zag appearance. Leaves are membranous, dark green above and light green or greenish-grey beneath, with variable pubescence. The species is notable for its profuse branching and leaf arrangement, which can lead to a crowded appearance. Inflorescences are axillary, and the corolla may show greenish-yellow pigmentation in varying patterns. Some populations, such as those around Monteiro Lobato in São Paulo, exhibit traits similar to C. flexuosum but differ in specific characteristics. The plant produces orange-red, pungent, globose fruits and black seeds.
Distribution
BR · Argentina Northeast · Brazil Southeast · Brazil South · Paraguay
Synonyms
Capsicum magis-puberulaCapsicum flexuosum var. flexuosumCapsicum mositicumCapsicum parvifolium var. sellowianumCapsicum ramosissimumCapsicum schottianum var. flexuosumCapsicum campylopodium f. laurifoliaCapsicum campylopodium f. magis-puberula