Capsicum annuum var. Cayenne
Record ID:26Naming |
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|---|---|
| Botanical Name: | Capsicum annuum var. Cayenne |
| Common Names: | Cayenne; Red Chili, Hot Pepper |
| Key Name: | Cayenne; Cayenne Pepper |
| Parts Used: | Fruits, leaves, seeds |
| Sister Plants: | Capsicum frutescens, Solanum lycopersicum, Nicotiana tabacum |
| Comments: | Annual or perennial herb attractive to pollinators; thrives in warm, well-drained soils |
Characteristics |
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| Identifying Character: | Annual or perennial (1-4 ft), erect branched stem, ovate leaves with smooth edges, small white star-shaped flowers (0.5-1 in), blooming summer, producing long red cayenne peppers |
| Stem: | Erect, 1-4 ft, branched, green Branching, |
| Leaves: | Ovate, 2-6 inches, smooth-edged, dark green |
| Flowers: | Small white star-shaped flowers, 0.5-1 in, in clusters, blooming June-August |
| Fruit: | Long red cayenne peppers, 2-6 inches, pungent |
| Taste: | Pungent (fruits), mild (leaves) |
| Odour: | Mild, green scent from flowers |
| Root: | Fibrous root system |
| Image: |
Image URL: https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fth.bing.com%2Fth%3Fid%3DOIP.z0k8zEnJpLrcD-2mwr8-KAHaE8%26cb%3Dthvnextc1%26pid%3DApi&f=1&ipt=3e19c44302a6195c3af84c0e450477584759203b757963a8b6838b34c01996af&ipo=images |
Distribution |
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| Distribution: | Native to Central and South America, cultivated worldwide |
| Cultivation: | Plant in full sun, well-drained soil; sow seeds indoors in early spring, transplant after frost; space 18-24 inches apart; water regularly, warm conditions preferred |
| Harvest: | Fruits: Summer to fall (June-October); Leaves: Summer |
Medical |
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| Therapeutic Action: | Analgesic, antiseptic, carminative, stimulant |
| Medical Uses: | Used for pain relief, infections, digestive issues, and as a circulatory stimulant; fruits for tinctures, leaves for poultices |
| Constituents: | Capsaicin, carotenoids, vitamin C, flavonoids |
| Solvents: | Water, alcohol (tincture), oil (infusion) |
| Dosage: | Tincture: 1-2 drops in water, 1-2 times daily; Infusion: 1 tsp dried leaves, 1 time daily |
| Administration: | Internal: Tincture or infusion (sparingly); External: Poultice or oil |
| Formulas: | Formula #180 Skin problems, Eczema, Etc. (wash) |
| Contra Indications: | ay cause irritation or allergic reactions; avoid excessive use, especially during pregnancy; consult healthcare provider |
| Preparation: | Tincture: Steep 1 tsp crushed fruits in alcohol for 2 weeks; Infusion: Steep 1 tsp dried leaves 10 min |
| Chinese: | No documented use in Traditional Chinese Medicine |
| Veterinary: | Used for pain relief or digestive support in livestock |
| Homeopathic: | No known homeopathic use documented |
Pollination and Pollinators |
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| Apis: | Yes |
| Pollinator: | |
| Pollen: | Yes |
| Pollen Notes: | Pollen attracts bees, some self-pollination |
| Nectar: | Yes |
| Nectar Notes: | Nectar-rich, attracts bees, butterflies, summer pollinators |
Other |
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| Non-Medical Uses: | Ornamental, natural dye |
| Culinary Uses: | Fruits used as spice or dried powder, leaves occasionally as seasoning |
| History: | Cultivated by Mesoamerican cultures for over 6,000 years; introduced to Europe in the 16th century; Cayenne popularized for its heat |
| Reference: | Plants For A Future; USDA NRCS https://www.pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Capsicum+annuum. herbalist1, |
| URL: | https://usbm.ca/ency |
| Share: | Public |