Capsicum baccatum
| Capsicum baccatum | |
| Light: |  |
| Moisture: |  |
| Hardiness: | 9 |
| Soil pH: | 5.6-8.4 |
| Height: | 7' |
| Width: | 3' |
| Blooms: | Late Summer-Early Fall |
| Native to: | |
| Edible Rating: |  |
| Medicinal Rating: |  |
| Tea: | Yes |
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Capsicum baccatum (common name: locoto)
Propagation: Seed - sow late winter to early spring in a warm greenhouse[1]. 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.
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 half-hardy perennial that can tolerate light frosts[2]. The sub-species C. baccata pendulum is hardier than the type and more likely to be successful in temperate climates[2]. It might be possible to grow it outdoors in the mildest areas of the country, especially if given the protection of a sunny wall[K]. It is usually cultivated as an annual when grown for its fruits[3][4].
Range: S. America - Ecuador and the Andes
Edibility: Fruit - raw or cooked[2]. A medium to very hot pungent flavour, it is mainly used as a flavouring in cooked foods[2]. The fruit can be dried and ground into a powder for use as a pepper-like condiment[2]. The fruit is up to 13cm long[2].
Medicinal: The hot and pungent fruit is antihaemorrhoidal when taken in small amounts, antirheumatic, antiseptic, diaphoretic, digestive, irritant, rubefacient, sialagogue and tonic[5][2]. 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[2]. Externally it is used in the treatment of sprains, unbroken chilblains, neuralgia, pleurisy etc[2].
Usage: The growing plant repels insects[6].
Soil: Can grow in light, medium, and heavy soils.
Drainage: Prefers well drained soil.
Flower Type: Hermaphrodite
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[7].
Also Known As: C. microcarpum.
Links
References
- ↑ Bird, R. Growing from Seed Volume 3. Thompson and Morgan, 1989.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 2.7 2.8 Bown, Deni. Royal Horticultural Society Encyclopaedia of Herbs and Their Uses. Dorling Kindersley, 1995.
- ↑ Nicholson, Barbara and Stephen Harrison. The Oxford Book of Food Plants. Oxford University Press, 1975.
- ↑ Usher, George. A Dictionary of Plants Used by Man. Constable, 1974.
- ↑ Chiej, Roberto. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald, 1984.
- ↑ Riotte, Louise. Carrots Love Tomatoes. Garden Way, 1978.
- ↑ Huxley, Anthony. The New Royal Horticultural Society Dictionary of Gardening. MacMillan Press, 1992.