African Red Devil

African Red Devil is a small, very hot red chilli commonly described as originating from Central Africa. It is often compared in shape and heat to Thai-type chillies, though it is sold under its own name.

Pods are slender and pointed, typically about 3–5 cm long and around 1 cm wide. Fruit are usually upright when immature and may become slightly pendant as they mature. They ripen from green to bright red.

Plants are compact to medium sized, often around 45–60 cm tall, and are described as heavy bearing under warm conditions.

Heat level is widely reported between 50,000 and 175,000 SHU depending on source and growing conditions. A working figure of 100,000 SHU represents a balanced mid-range estimate. Some sellers market it as similar in heat to bird’s eye chillies.

There is no clear breeder record or formal introduction date available in retail or seed database listings. The African origin label is widely repeated, but specific country documentation is rarely provided. The name appears mainly in modern chilli seed catalogues rather than older agricultural records.

It is used fresh, dried, or ground into powder for hot sauces and spice blends.