Capsicum lanceolatum

Capsicum lanceolatum (Greenm. ex Donn.Sm.) C.V.Morton & Standl.

Capsicum lanceolatum is a species of the nightshade family (Solanaceae) native to Guatemala, Honduras, and parts of Mexico. It is an erect shrub or subshrub, 1–3 m tall, with flexible branches and glabrous or sparsely hairy stems. The leaves are unequal in size and shape, with the major leaves elliptic to lanceolate. It produces solitary or rarely double flowers with white-purple corollas and large, non-pungent fruits up to 13 mm in diameter. The species is part of the Andean clade and is distinguished by its long pedicels, reflexed fruiting calyx appendages, and preference for undisturbed habitats. It differs from C. rhomboideum by its glabrous habit, solitary flowers, and larger fruits.

Description

Capsicum lanceolatum is a member of the genus Capsicum in the Solanaceae family. It grows as an erect shrub or subshrub, 1–3 m tall, with much branching from near the base. The young stems are green, glabrous or sparsely hairy with simple, eglandular trichomes. Leaves are membranous to coriaceous, with the major leaves 6.5–16 cm long, elliptic to lanceolate, and with 5–7 major veins. Minor leaves are smaller, ovate or elliptic. Flowers are solitary or rarely two-flowered, with pedicels 25–43 mm long, and white-purple corollas. Fruits are non-pungent, up to 13 mm in diameter, with long, reflexed calyx appendages. The species is found in undisturbed areas of Mexico and Central America and is self-compatible. It is distinct from C. rhomboideum by its glabrous stems, solitary flowers, and larger fruits.