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Capiscum pubescens
Capsicum pubescens is a plant of the family Capsicum (pepper). It differs from other Capsicum species in its ability to reach an advanced age and in its distinctive morphological traits. The species name, pubescens, refers to the hairy leaves of this pepper. The hairiness of the leaves, along with the black seeds, make Capsicum pubescens distinguishable from other Capsicum species. As roots lignify quickly, they are sometimes called tree chili. Capsicum pubescens can reach heights of up to 12 m and produces pungent fruits with yellow, orange, red or brown colour. This species is found primarily in Central and South America, and is known only in cultivation. It is consumed fresh, paste, dried, or ground. It is known in Peru and Ecuador as rocoto (Quechua, rukutu, ruqutu'), locoto in Bolivia and Argentina (Aymara, luqutu) and as the manzano pepper in Mexico which means 'apple' for its apple-shaped fruit. Of all the domesticated species in the family Capsicum, this is the least widespread and genetically furthest away from all others. It is reproductively isolated from other species of the genus Capsicum. A notable feature of this species is its ability to withstand cooler temperatures than other cultivated pepper plants, although it cannot withstand frost.

Origin and Distribution
Capsicum pubescens is native to Bolivia, Peru and Ecuador and dates back to pre-Incan times. Traces of its presence have been found in the Guitarrero Caves. The existence of Capsicum pubescens was documented by ancient Peruvians of the Paracas, Nazca, Moche, and Chimu cultures, through textiles, ceramics, and domestic remains. Capsicum pubescens is likely to belong to the oldest domesticated plants in the Americas, its domestication dating back to 6000 BC. Capsicum pubescens is believed to have evolved from other, more primitive wild Capsicum species occurring in the same area. Of all the domesticated species of peppers, this is the least widespread and genetically furthest away from all others. It is reproductively isolated from other species of the genus Capsicum and forms a distinct genetic lineage. In the early 1900's Capsicum pubescens was introduced to Indonesia where it is now grown along other Capsicum species. The routes of introductions remain unclear, as Capsicum pubescens is found on multiple Indonesian islands. A white flower mutant of Capsicum pubescens is widely distributed in West and Central Java, which differentiates it from the normally purple flowering plants.

Capsicum pubescens is only found on very limited acreage outside of Central America. It is found in cultivation primarily in Bolivia and Peru where it likely originated. Nowadays, it is found from Mexico to Peru as well as in Indonesia. The plants are usually grown at small scale in courtyards and family gardens and only surpluses reach markets.

Given its cold tolerance, Capsicum pubescens grows at higher elevations than other species, and cannot survive the tropical heat in the lowlands. However, Capsicum pubescens is not frost-tolerant and requires a long vegetation period of about 9 months. These climate requirements are the main challanges for introducing it to other locations. Alongside the climatic difficulties, the European cuisine lacks in uses for Capsicum pubescens fruits, why the plant has not established in Europe. Nevertheless, the interest in Capsicum pubescens is rising among hobby-breeders.