Family: Solanaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 1: 46 (1767)
Year: 1767
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Capsicum
Vegetable: False
Observations: Peru to Brazil and N. Argentina
Description
Locoto, known scientifically as Capsicum baccatum, is a vibrant and flavorful chili pepper plant that has intrigued botanists and spice enthusiasts alike since its classification in 1767 by the illustrious botanist Carl Linnaeus. This remarkable plant belongs to the Solanaceae family, a diverse group known for its agricultural and culinary importance.
Native to the regions stretching from Peru to Brazil and Northern Argentina, the Locoto thrives in the varied climates and soils found throughout these areas. Its adaptability allows it to flourish in a range of environmental conditions, contributing to its widespread cultivation and popularity in South American cuisine.
The Locoto plant is renowned for its colorful fruits that mature from green to vivid shades of red, orange, or yellow. These peppers are not only visually appealing but also pack a distinctive heat and a burst of flavor that is both fruity and spicy. This unique taste profile has made Locoto a favorite ingredient in traditional dishes, imparting a characteristic zest to salsas, sauces, and stews.
Botanically, Capsicum baccatum is a perennial shrub that can grow up to several feet tall, with white flowers featuring distinctive yellow or greenish spots. The plant’s robust nature and resistance to various plant diseases make it a reliable and productive crop for farmers and gardeners.
In addition to its culinary uses, Locoto has been studied for its potential health benefits. Like other chili peppers, it contains capsaicin—a compound known for its anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties, which can be beneficial for pain relief and promoting metabolism.
Overall, Locoto is much more than just a pepper; it is a cultural staple and a botanical marvel that continues to captivate with its fiery essence and historical significance.
Common Names
Swe: bärpeppar
Por: comarim, cumari, pimenta-cumari
Spa: locoto
Eng: bird pepper
En: Locoto, Aji, Bird pepper, Pepper
Bi: Kabsikam
Ca: Pebre verd, Pebrer, Pebrera
Zh: 辣椒種
Cs: Paprika křídlatá
Et: Maripaprika
Fi: Marjapaprika
He: פלפל חריף צהוב
Hi: शिमला मिर्च
Hu: Bogyós paprika
Ko: 베리고추
Ml: കാപ്സിക്കം ബക്കാട്ടം
No: Ají
Or: ଶିମଳା ଲଙ୍କ୍ଲା
Pa: ਕੈਪਸੀਕਮ ਬੈਕਟਮ
Fa: فلفل باکاتوم
Pl: Papryka jagodowa
Pt: Comarim, Cumari, Pimenta-cumari
Ru: Стручковый перец ягодный
Es: Locoto
Sv: Bärpeppar
Synonyms
- Capsicum annuum subsp. baccatum ((L.) Terpó)
- Capsicum annuum var. baccatum ((L.) Kuntze)
- Capsicum frutescens var. baccatum ((L.) Irish)
Distribution
- Argentina Northeast (native)
- Argentina Northwest (native)
- Bolivia (native)
- Brazil South (native)
- Brazil Southeast (native)
- Brazil West-Central (native)
- Paraguay (native)
- Peru (native)
- Uruguay (native)
- Angola (introduced)
- Bermuda (introduced)
- Cape Verde (introduced)
- Cayman Is. (introduced)
- Chad (introduced)
- Colombia (introduced)
- Congo (introduced)
- Costa Rica (introduced)
- Cuba (introduced)
- Dominican Republic (introduced)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (introduced)
- Haiti (introduced)
- Honduras (introduced)
- Jamaica (introduced)
- Leeward Is. (introduced)
- Mozambique (introduced)
- Puerto Rico (introduced)
- Trinidad-Tobago (introduced)
- Venezuela (introduced)
- Zambia (introduced)
- Zaïre (introduced)
Additional Images
Fruit
Taken Oct 11, 2019 by Reis Anna Isabella (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jul 18, 2020 by Riera Francisco (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 12, 2021 by Ceregal Maricel (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 10, 2021 by gete mdolores (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Aug 15, 2022 by kevin barker (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Constantin Giga (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 21, 2022 by Nicolas Moïdeen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Flower
Taken Oct 26, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2021 by Linda Veugen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Mar 19, 2022 by 67terzi (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Leaf
Taken Jan 27, 2022 by celtic.cedrick (cc-by-sa)
Taken Sep 1, 2021 by Rina Jeger (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 9, 2020 by mohammed amine chaabnia (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Constantin Giga (cc-by-sa)
Taken Aug 16, 2021 by Pineda Mejía (cc-by-sa)
Other
Taken Aug 30, 2022 by Anatas (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 19, 2020 by Moreira Antonio (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 31, 2022 by Constantin Giga (cc-by-sa)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2932938)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:814733-1)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Capsicum baccatum L.)
Specifications
Growth habit>: Subshrub, Forb/herb