Brazilian Starfish

Brazilian Starfish is a Capsicum baccatum cultivar known for its flattened, multi-lobed pods resembling a starfish. Mature fruit are typically about 4.5 cm wide and approximately 2.0 cm long, forming a saucer-like shape with relatively thick walls. Pods ripen from green through orange to bright red, and yellow variants are also reported.

Heat is generally described between 10000 and 30000 SHU, with many sources placing it in the 15000 to 20000 SHU range. A working value of 17500 SHU reflects the central commonly reported level. Some listings claim higher figures up to 50000 SHU, suggesting variation between strains and growing conditions. There are no widely published independent laboratory tests specific to this named cultivar.

Flavour is widely described as sweet and fruity, with mild to moderate heat. Growers sometimes note floral or tropical undertones. These descriptions are anecdotal and based on grower experience rather than formal sensory studies.

Plants are vigorous and productive, often growing tall and sometimes showing a slightly spreading or weeping habit. While Brazil is recognised as the domestication and popularisation centre for this cultivar, the species Capsicum baccatum has deeper domestication roots in the Andean region of South America. Precise historical documentation for when this specific cultivar name first appeared is not clearly established in accessible sources.