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Capsicum frutescens
  • Tabasco Pepper

a perennial member of the Capsicum genus in the family Solanaceae.

248px
Niche
  • Unknown
    Unknown
    The ecosystem niches for this plant are unknown. Do you know them? Click the edit button to add them!
Functions
  • None
    None
    There are no functions defined for this plant. Do you know of some? Click the edit button to add them!
Light
  • Full sun
    Full sun
    The amount of sun exposure that a plant prefers in ideal conditions.
    Key
  • no shade
    No shade
    The amount of shade a plant will tolerate without adverse health affects.
    Key
Water
  • Water Requirementsmoderate
    Moderate
    The amount of water a plant needs for healthy growth, relative to other plants.
    Key
Soil
  • very acid,acid,neutral,alkaline,very alkaline
    Very acid to Very alkaline
    The PH range (acidity or alkilinity) of the growth medium ideal for healthy nutrient absorbtion.
    Key
  • Sandy to Clay
    The soil texture this plant prefers for optimal growth.
    Key
Cold & Heat
  • 9
    Zone 9
    The USDA Hardiness scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the minimum temperature a plant can survive.
    Key
    0< -53.9ºC< -65ºF
    1-51.1ºC-60ºF
    2-45.6ºC-50F
    3-40ºC-40ºF
    4-34.4ºC-30ºF
    5-28.9ºC-20ºF
    6-23.3ºC-10ºF
    7-17.8ºC0ºF
    8-12.2C10ºF
    9-6.7ºC20ºF
    10-1.1ºC30ºF
    114.4ºC40ºF
    12> 10ºC> 5ºF
  • ?
    Unknown
    The AHS Heat scale assigns plants a number from 1 to 12 representing the number of days per year a plant requires a temperature exceeding 30ºC (86ºF).
    Key
    11
    21 - 7
    38 - 14
    415 - 30
    531 - 45
    646 - 60
    761 - 90
    891 - 120
    9121 - 150
    10151 - 180
    11181 - 210
    12181 - 210
Capsicum frutescens has 0 edible uses listed
Capsicum frutescens has 0 material uses listed
Capsicum frutescens has 0 medicinal uses listed

Uses

Toxic parts

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[1].

Edible uses

Notes

Fruit - raw or cooked[2][3][4]. Very hot and normally used as a flavouring[5]. The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a flavouring[6]. The fruit is up to 7.5cm long and 1cm wide[1].

Seed - dried, ground and used as a pepper[7].

Leaves - cooked as a potherb[5]. Some caution is advised, see note at top of the page.

Unknown part

Condiment

Fruit

Unknown use

Leaves

Unknown use

Material uses

The growing plant repels insects[8].

Unknown part

Repellent

Medicinal uses(Warning!)

The dried fruit is a powerful local stimulant with no narcotic effect, it is most useful in atony of the intestines and stomach[9]. It has proved efficacious in dilating blood vessels and thus relieving chronic congestion of people addicted to drink[9]. It is sometimes used as a tonic and is said to be unequalled in warding off disease[9] (probably due to the high vitamin C content[K]). Some caution should be employed, however, since large doses are extremely irritating to the gastro-intestinal system[10].

Used externally, the fruit is a strong rubefacient stimulating the circulation, aiding the removal of waste products and increasing the flow of nutrients to the tissues[11]. It is applied as a cataplasm or liniment[9]. It has also been powdered and placed inside socks as a traditional remedy for those prone to cold feet[11]. A weak infusion can be used as a gargle to treat throat complaints[10]. The fruit is also antihaemorrhoidal, antirheumatic, antiseptic, carminative, diaphoretic, digestive, sialagogue and stomachic[12][13][14]. These pungent fruited peppers are important in the tropics as gastrointestinal detoxifiers and food preservatives[15]. The fruits contain 0.1 - 1.5% capsaicin[11]. This substance stimulates the circulation and alters temperature regulation. Applied to the skin it desensitizes nerve endings and so has been used as a local anaesthetic[11].

The seed contains capsicidins[11]. These are thought to have antibiotic properties[11].

Unknown part

Anaesthetic
Antihaemorrhoidal
Antirheumatic
Antiseptic
Carminative
Diaphoretic
Digestive
Irritant
Rubefacient
Sialagogue
Stimulant
Stomachic

Ecology

Ecosystem niche/layer

Ecological Functions

Nothing listed.

Forage

Nothing listed.

Shelter

Nothing listed.

Propagation

Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a warm greenhouse[16]. 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.

Practical Plants is currently lacking information on propagation instructions of Capsicum frutescens. Help us fill in the blanks! Edit this page to add your knowledge.



Cultivation

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 a frost-tender perennial that is usually cultivated as an annual[2][17]. It does not commonly do well outdoors in an average British summer and it is usually grown in a greenhouse in this country[18]. However, if a very warm sheltered position outdoors is chosen then reasonable crops could be obtained in good summers. Widely grown throughout the world, but especially in warm temperate to tropical climates for its edible fruit, tabasco peppers. There are many named varieties[4].

The growing plant is a good companion for aubergines[8].

Crops

Problems, pests & diseases

Associations & Interactions

There are no interactions listed for Capsicum frutescens. Do you know of an interaction that should be listed here? edit this page to add it.

Polycultures & Guilds

There are no polycultures listed which include Capsicum frutescens.

Descendants

Cultivars

Varieties

None listed.

Subspecies

None listed.

Full Data

This table shows all the data stored for this plant.

Taxonomy
Binomial name
Capsicum frutescens
Genus
Capsicum
Family
Solanaceae
Imported References
Edible uses
[2][3][4][5][6][1][7]
Medicinal uses
[9][10][11][12][13][14][15]
Material uses & Functions
[8]
Botanic
[1]
Propagation
Cultivation
Environment
Cultivation
Uses
Edible uses
None listed.
Material uses
None listed.
Medicinal uses
None listed.
Functions & Nature
Functions
Provides forage for
Provides shelter for
Environment
Hardiness Zone
9
Heat Zone
?
Water
moderate
Sun
full sun
Shade
no shade
Soil PH
very acid, acid, neutral, alkaline, very alkaline
Soil Texture
sandy, loamy, clay
Soil Water Retention
well drained
Environmental Tolerances
    Ecosystems
    Native Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Adapted Climate Zones
    None listed.
    Native Geographical Range
    None listed.
    Native Environment
    None listed.
    Ecosystem Niche
    None listed.
    Root Zone Tendancy
    None listed.
    Life
    Deciduous or Evergreen
    ?
    Herbaceous or Woody
    ?
    Life Cycle
    perennial
    Growth Rate
    ?
    Mature Size
    1 x 0.6 meters
    Fertility
    ?
    Pollinators
    ?
    Flower Colour
    ?
    Flower Type
    hermaphrodite

    "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.


    "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki., "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki. "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.






    References

    1. ? 1.01.11.21.3 Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press ISBN 0-333-47494-5 (1992-00-00)
    2. ? 2.02.12.2 Harrison. S. Wallis. M. Masefield. G. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press (1975-00-00)
    3. ? 3.03.1 Uphof. J. C. Th. Dictionary of Economic Plants. Weinheim (1959-00-00)
    4. ? 4.04.14.2 Bianchini. F., Corbetta. F. and Pistoia. M. Fruits of the Earth. ()
    5. ? 5.05.15.2 Facciola. S. Cornucopia - A Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications ISBN 0-9628087-0-9 (1990-00-00)
    6. ? 6.06.1 Brouk. B. Plants Consumed by Man. Academic Press ISBN 0-12-136450-x (1975-00-00)
    7. ? 7.07.1 Hedrick. U. P. Sturtevant's Edible Plants of the World. Dover Publications ISBN 0-486-20459-6 (1972-00-00)
    8. ? 8.08.18.2 Riotte. L. Companion Planting for Successful Gardening. Garden Way, Vermont, USA. ISBN 0-88266-064-0 (1978-00-00)
    9. ? 9.09.19.29.39.4 Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin ISBN 0-14-046-440-9 (1984-00-00)
    10. ? 10.010.110.2 Stuart. M. (Editor) The Encyclopedia of Herbs and Herbalism Orbis Publishing. London. ISBN 0-85613-067-2 (1979-00-00)
    11. ? 11.011.111.211.311.411.511.6 Chevallier. A. The Encyclopedia of Medicinal Plants Dorling Kindersley. London ISBN 9-780751-303148 (1996-00-00)
    12. ? 12.012.1 Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald ISBN 0-356-10541-5 (1984-00-00)
    13. ? 13.013.1 Mills. S. Y. The Dictionary of Modern Herbalism. ()
    14. ? 14.014.1 Hill. A. F. Economic Botany. The Maple Press (1952-00-00)
    15. ? 15.015.1 Bown. D. Encyclopaedia of Herbs and their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, London. ISBN 0-7513-020-31 (1995-00-00)
    16. ? Bird. R. (Editor) Growing from Seed. Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan. (1989-00-00)
    17. ? Usher. G. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable ISBN 0094579202 (1974-00-00)
    18. ? F. Chittendon. RHS Dictionary of Plants plus Supplement. 1956 Oxford University Press (1951-00-00)

    "image:Capsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG|248px" cannot be used as a page name in this wiki.

    Retrieved from "https://practicalplants.org/w/index.php?title=Capsicum_frutescens&oldid=75884"
    Facts about "Capsicum frutescens"RDF feed
    Article is incompleteYes +
    Article requires citationsNo +
    Article requires cleanupYes +
    Belongs to familySolanaceae +
    Belongs to genusCapsicum +
    Has binomial nameCapsicum frutescens +
    Has common nameTabasco Pepper +
    Has drought toleranceIntolerant +
    Has edible partUnknown part +, Fruit + and Leaves +
    Has edible useCondiment + and Unknown use +
    Has flowers of typeHermaphrodite +
    Has hardiness zone9 +
    Has imageCapsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG +
    Has lifecycle typePerennial +
    Has material partUnknown part +
    Has material useRepellent +
    Has mature height1 +
    Has mature width0.6 +
    Has medicinal partUnknown part +
    Has medicinal useAnaesthetic +, Antihaemorrhoidal +, Antirheumatic +, Antiseptic +, Carminative +, Diaphoretic +, Digestive +, Irritant +, Rubefacient +, Sialagogue +, Stimulant + and Stomachic +
    Has primary imageCapsicum frutescens 'Hidalgo' 002.JPG +
    Has search namecapsicum frutescens + and tabasco pepper +
    Has shade toleranceNo shade +
    Has soil ph preferenceVery acid +, Acid +, Neutral +, Alkaline + and Very alkaline +
    Has soil texture preferenceSandy +, Loamy + and Clay +
    Has soil water retention preferenceWell drained +
    Has sun preferenceFull sun +
    Has taxonomic rankSpecies +
    Has taxonomy nameCapsicum frutescens +
    Has water requirementsmoderate +
    Is taxonomy typeSpecies +
    PFAF cultivation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF edible use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF material use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF medicinal use notes migratedNo +
    PFAF propagation notes migratedNo +
    PFAF toxicity notes migratedNo +
    Tolerates nutritionally poor soilNo +
    Uses mature size measurement unitMeters +
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