Rocoto Montúfar (PI 585273)

Rocoto Montúfar, catalogued as PI 585273, is a Capsicum pubescens variety originating from the Montúfar canton in northern Ecuador, where it is traditionally grown at elevations around 2,700 metres. The variety is named after Carlos de Montúfar y Larrea-Zurbano, an Ecuadorian historical figure associated with the country's independence.

Plants are semi-compact and perennial, typically reaching between 0.6 and 1.8 metres in height. They are well adapted to cool mountain climates and can live and produce for many years. Flowers are purple and seeds are black, consistent with pubescens traits.

Pods are medium-sized and oblong, measuring approximately 5 to 8 centimetres in length. Fruits mature from dark green to deep red and have thick, juicy flesh with a fruity aroma. Heat levels are higher than many rocotos, averaging around 45,000 Scoville Heat Units.