Capsicum cardenasii
Heiser & P. G. Sm.
Ulupica
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Summary
Source: WikipediaCapsicum cardenasii is a plant species in the genus Capsicum and the family Solanaceae. It is a diploid with 2n=2x=24. It is a member within the C. pubescens complex, a group of closely related Capsicum species. It is closely related to C. eximium. It is native to the Andes, and it can be found in Bolivia and Peru. The native name is ulupica.
Description
A herb that develops woody stems. It grows up to 1 m tall. The leaves are narrow and sword shaped and are softly hairy. One or two flowers develop between the nodes and hang down. The fruit are very small. They are fleshy and red.
Edible Uses
The very small hot fruits are ground with tomato to make a dish, used in pickles, and preserved in oil and vinegar. They are sold in local markets.
Traditional Uses
The small fruit are hot and ground with tomato to make a dish. They are used in pickles, preserved in oil and vinegar.
This uses section is brief — help expand it
Medicinal Uses
Its primary use is as a spice. Many wild Capsicums exhibit disease resistance of interest to plant breeders. C. cardenasii has been shown to be resistant to tobacco mosaic virus (TMV), and there is a possibility that one day this resistance may be transferred to other capsicum species through breeding.
Known Hazards
Although providing many well-known foods for people, including the potato, tomato, pepper and aubergine, most plants in the family Solanaceae also contain poisonous alkaloids. Unless there are specific entries with information on edible uses, it would be unwise to ingest any part of this plant.
Distribution
A tropical plant. It can tolerate cool climates in mountains.
Where It Grows
Andes, Bolivia, South America,
Cultivation
A plant of moderate elevations in the tropics. Requires a very warm sunny position and a humus-rich, fertile, well-drained loam. Prefers a light sandy soil that is slightly acid. Prefers a pH in the range of 5.5 - 5.6, but tolerates 4.3 to 8.3.
Propagation
Seed - sow in a seedbed or in containers. The seed usually germinates in 3 - 4 weeks at 20°c. Plant out into permanent positions when about 8 - 10cm tall.
Other Information
They are sold in local markets.
Notes
There are 10 Capsicum species.
References (8)
- Brittonia 10:195, fig. 1. 1958
- Facciola, S., 1998, Cornucopia 2: a Source Book of Edible Plants. Kampong Publications, p 232
- Herklots,
- Macmillan, H.F. (Revised Barlow, H.S., et al), 1991, Tropical Planting and Gardening. Sixth edition. Malayan Nature Society. Kuala Lumpur. p 376
- Samuels, J., 2015, Biodiversity of Food Species of the Solonaceae Family: A Preliminary Taxonomic Inventory of Subfamily Solanoideae. Resources 2015, 4. 277-322
Show all 8 references Hide references
- Seidemann J., 2005, World Spice Plants. Economic Usage, Botany, Taxonomy. Springer. p 83
- Wikipedia
- World Checklist of Useful Plant Species 2020. Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
