Capsicum chacoense

Capsicum chacoense is a wild Capsicum species native to South America. The plant exhibits a bushy growth habit with extensive branching and distinctive zig-zag stems, which may range in colour from bright green to deep purple. Plants typically grow between approximately 0.4 and 2.5 metres in height, showing strong adaptability to varying environmental conditions.

Leaves are oval to elliptical with smooth surfaces and a slightly asymmetrical base. Flowers are solitary, white, and star-shaped, accompanied by a cup-shaped calyx that is moderately hairy. The fruits are small and range from round to elongated in form, maturing from green to orange or red.

Seeds are pale yellow and smooth. Capsicum chacoense shows natural variation in capsaicinoid production across populations, resulting in differing heat levels within the species.