The Capsicum Genus(辣椒属).doc

The Capsicum Genus Capsicum terminology is very confusing with Pepper, chilli, chile, chili, aji, paprika and capsicum all used interchangeably to describe the plants and pods of the genus Capsicum. We have chosen to use chile as this is the most common terminology used in the UK. It is believed Chiles were first cultivated by the people of Central and South America in around 7000BC and there are now a bewildering range of over 3000 known varieties ranging from the mildest bell pepper to the fiery hot habanero. The botantical genus to which all chiles belong is Capsicum (CAP-see-coom), from the greek kapto meaning to bite. The genus Capsicum is also a member of the wider Solanaceae or nightshade family and therefore Chile peppers are closely related to their genetic cousins, the tomato, potato, tobacco and eggplant. Ever since, English doctor turned botanist Robert Morrison described 33 species of Chile peppers in his study, Plantarum Historiae Universalis Oxonniensis, published in 1680, there has been much argument and debate amongst botanists and taxonomists as to the number and classification of Capsicum species. After much argument and amendment, it is now widely accepted that the genus Capsicum consists of five domesticated species and twenty-six wild species. Due to the ease at which the domesticated species in particular cross pollinate with each other and the active development and hybridisation of new varieties often for marketing purposes, there is now a baffling range of varieties available making classification and increasingly difficult task. More detailed information and picture illustrations of each of these species and their numerous cultivars can be found in thechilemans database. To refine your search, be sure to select the appropriate species from the drop down list. The five domesticated species Annuum, Baccatum, Chinense, Frutescens and Pubescens are the most commonly available species to the Chile enthusiast and each species has its own dist