Yellow squash pepper (Capsicum chinense, Hort. Bot. Vindob. 3: 38 (1777))

Family: Solanaceae

Author: Jacq.

Bibliography: Hort. Bot. Vindob. 3: 38 (1777)

Year: 1777

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Capsicum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Peru to Bolivia and N. Brazil

Description

Yellow squash pepper is a distinctive cultivar of the species Capsicum chinense, known for its vibrant yellow color and unique shape, resembling a squash. This variety is part of the Solanaceae family, which includes a diverse array of nightshade plants. Initially described in the late 18th century by the botanist Jacquin in Hortus Botanicus Vindobonensis, the plant has since garnered attention for its flavorful and aromatic fruits that are essential ingredients in various culinary traditions.

Native to regions stretching from Peru to northern Brazil, including Bolivia, the Yellow squash pepper thrives in tropical and subtropical climates. It is notably adapted to these diverse ecological zones, contributing to its robust growth and prolific fruiting. The species epitomizes the rich agricultural heritage of the Andean and Amazonian cultures, where such peppers have long been cultivated for their culinary versatility and nutritional value.

The plant itself is characterized by bushy, lush foliage, with vibrant, green leaves providing a stark contrast to its brightly colored fruits. The peppers, when mature, present a radiant yellow hue and typically assume a bulbous, slightly flattened shape, reminiscent of a small squash, hence its common name. Not only aesthetically pleasing, these peppers are known for their distinctive, slightly fruity heat, making them a coveted variety among pepper enthusiasts and chefs alike.

In culinary uses, Yellow squash peppers are celebrated for their ability to impart a mild to moderate heat with a nuanced, fruity flavor that elevates dishes without overwhelming them. They are often used fresh in salsas, salads, and garnishes, or cooked into sauces, stews, and other regional dishes that benefit from their unique taste profile.

In summary, the Yellow squash pepper is not just a visually appealing plant but also an essential component of regional cuisines across its native range. Its historical and botanical significance, flavorful attributes, and adaptability to various growing conditions make it a noteworthy member of the Capsicum genus and a cherished plant in the Solanaceae family.

Common Names

Spa: ají, aji, habanero, rocotillo
Eng: habanero pepper, bonnet pepper, datil pepper, piri-piri pepper, squash pepper, yellow squash pepper
Por: biquinho, cumari-do-pará, murupi, pimenta, pimenta-biquinho, pimenta-cumari-do-pará, pimenta-de-bode, pimenta-de-cheiro, pimenta-habanero
Swe: havannapeppar
En: Yellow squash pepper, Bonnet pepper, Datil pepper, Piri-piri pepper, Squash pepper, Habanero pepper, Rocotillo, Scotch bonnet, Habanero
Fr: Piment
Pt: Biquinho, Cumari-do-pará, Murupi, Pimenta, Pimenta-biquinho, Pimenta-cumari-do-pará, Pimenta-de-bode, Pimenta-de-cheiro, Pimenta-habanero
Pt-br: Pimenta-de-cheiro
Es: Rocotillo, Ají, Aji, Habanero, Naga Jolokia
Sv: Havannapeppar

Synonyms

• Capsicum sinense (Murray)
• Capsicum annuum var. chinense ((Jacq.) Alef.)
• Capsicum toxicarium (Poepp.)

Distribution

• Bolivia (native)
• Brazil North (native)
• Peru (native)
• Belize (introduced)
• Costa Rica (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• French Guiana (introduced)
• Guinea-Bissau (introduced)

Additional Images

© 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 Nov 30, 2021 by Ênio Calixto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 26, 2021 by Cecilio Flávio (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 14, 2019 by Guevara Char (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 16, 2021 by Marina Poloni (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Tita Moi (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Sep 21, 2020 by Ramos Norma Suely (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 8, 2021 by Garbovetzky Vera (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 11, 2020 by FERREIRA DIEGO CÉSAR (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 2, 2021 by JP Erasmus (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by rosario (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Sep 4, 2020 by Hugo Ortega (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 22, 2021 by Dieter Albrecht (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 8, 2020 by Simo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 29, 2022 by Faria Guilherme (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 19, 2021 by erwann DAVID (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Oct 16, 2022 by KP Laer (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jun 13, 2020 by D’Andrea Davide (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 5, 2022 by Natural Ethik (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 5, 2022 by Shaun (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 10, 2022 by Joao Da Silva (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Aug 7, 2020 by Estrela Márjudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 17, 2020 by vt Luis felipe (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2022 by Salome Hubin (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Angelina Caussé (cc-by-sa)

Taken Aug 23, 2021 by Angelina Caussé (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Nov 18, 2022 by Netanel H (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 10, 2021 by Monteiro Bianca (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• IPNI (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/2932942)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:814752-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Capsicum chinense Jacq.)

Specifications

Growth