Capsicum pubescens - Ruiz.&Pav.

Common Name

Tree Pepper, Rocoto

Family

Solanaceae

USDA hardiness

8-11

Known Hazards

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[200]. Avoid in patients taking monoamine oxidase inhibitor antidepressants and antihypertensive drugs [301].

Habitats

Not known

Range

S. America - Andes.

Edibility Rating

(3 of 5)

Other Uses

(1 of 5)

Weed Potential

Medicinal Rating

(3 of 5)

Care (info)


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Summary

Physical Characteristics

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.

UK Hardiness Map US Hardiness Map

Synonyms

Brachistus lanceifolius. Capsicum lanceifolium. Capsicum violaceum

Plant Habitats

Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit
Edible Uses: Condiment

Fruit - raw or cooked[238]. The distinctive thick-fleshed pungent fruits are used as a vegetable condiment or made into a sauce[183]. A hot pungent flavour, it is mainly used as a flavouring in cooked foods[238]. In Peru the seeds are removed, the fruit stuffed with a savoury filling and then baked[183]. The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a pepper-like condiment[238].

References More on Edible Uses

Medicinal Uses

Plants For A Future can not take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of plants. Always seek advice from a professional before using a plant medicinally.
Antihaemorrhoidal Antirheumatic Digestive Irritant Rubefacient Sialagogue

The hot and pungent fruit is antihaemorrhoidal when taken in small amounts, antirheumatic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, digestive, irritant, rubefacient, sialagogue and tonic[7, 238]. 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[238]. Externally it is used in the treatment of sprains, unbroken chilblains, neuralgia, pleurisy etc[238]. The German Commission E Monographs, a therapeutic guide to herbal medicine, approve Capsicum for muscular tension, rheumatism (see [302] for critics of commission E).

References More on Medicinal Uses

Other Uses

The growing plant repels insects[20].

Special Uses

References More on Other Uses

Cultivation details

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[238]. 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[K]. Plants are able to continue fruiting for 15 years in cool moist climates[238].

References Carbon Farming Information and Carbon Sequestration Information

Temperature Converter

Type a value in the Celsius field to convert the value to Fahrenheit:

Celsius Fahrenheit:

Plant Propagation

Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a warm greenhouse[138]. 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.

Other Names

If available other names are mentioned here

Native Range

NORTHERN AMERICA: Mexico SOUTHERN AMERICA: Central America, South America (Andean)

Weed Potential

Right plant wrong place. We are currently updating this section. Please note that a plant may be invasive in one area but may not in your area so it's worth checking.

Conservation Status

IUCN Red List of Threatened Plants Status :

IUCN Red List

Related Plants

Latin Name	Common Name	Habit	Height	Hardiness	Growth	Soil	Shade	Moisture	Edible	Medicinal	Other
Capsicum annuum	Sweet Pepper, Cayenne Pepper, Chili Pepper, Christmas Pepper, Red Pepper, Ornamental Chili Pepper	Perennial	1.0	10-11	F	LMH	N	M	4	3	2
Capsicum annuum var. aviculare	Cayenne Pepper	Perennial	0.6	9-11	F	LMH	N	DM	3	3	1
Capsicum baccatum	Locoto, Aji	Perennial	2.0	8-11		LMH	N	M	3	3	1
Capsicum chinense	Bonnet Pepper, Chinese capsicum	Shrub	1.5	10-12	F	LMH	N	M	3	4	1
Capsicum frutescens	Tabasco Pepper, Cayenne pepper	Perennial	1.0	8-11		LMH	N	M	3	4	1

Growth: S = slow M = medium F = fast. Soil: L = light (sandy) M = medium H = heavy (clay). pH: A = acid N = neutral B = basic (alkaline). Shade: F = full shade S = semi-shade N = no shade. Moisture: D = dry M = Moist We = wet Wa = water.

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Expert comment

Author

Ruiz.&Pav.

Botanical References

200

Links / References

For a list of references used on this page please go here

Readers comment


david nicholls	Fri Jan 4 2008

I wonder if C.pubescens can support its' own weight. Deni Bown says it "may be espaliered or pruned", I've just grown a seedling 6 inches tall, it's already pretty floppy. I think i might stake it if it does have a problem with being erect, I like the idea of a 10 ft pepper. Any advice or suggestions?


Jo Bill	Tue Dec 8 2009

there's a one year old C. pubescens with two peppers by the window. the eight inch plant is supporting itself


	Oct 12 2013 12:00AM

I have friends growing this in outer melbourne, australia against a link fence. Has become quite dense and rambley. I have successfully harvested seeds from them and now have two plants about 1m high. Fruit are delicious and very hot. Makes great chili sauce.