Description
Chilli Name: PI 435918
Chilli Species: Eximium
Chilli Origin: Bolivia
Chilli Heat: Hot
PI 435918 Chilli — A Wild Capsicum eximium from the Highlands of Bolivia
PI 435918 is a wild chilli accession collected in Bolivia, classified as Capsicum eximium, and preserved in the USDA Plant Introduction (PI) collection. As with other C. eximium accessions, this variety represents the ancient, untamed lineage of chillies that thrive in the cool, high-altitude environments of the Andean region.
The plant grows as a small, shrubby perennial, highly adapted to poor soils, variable weather, and minimal care — traits shaped by its mountainous origins. It features slender leaves and the signature purple flowers with pale centres, which are hallmarks of the eximium species. The pods are tiny, upright, and round to slightly oval, ripening from green to bright red.
Despite their size, these pods carry a notably hot kick, generally in the range of 30,000 to 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU). The flavour tends to be sharp, raw, and occasionally fruity, consistent with other wild South American chillies.
PI 435918 is a valuable genetic resource for its cold tolerance, resilience to pests and diseases, and potential in breeding programs aimed at improving hardiness in cultivated peppers. It’s also a fascinating option for chilli collectors and growers interested in preserving the wild ancestors of modern Capsicum varieties.
In short, PI 435918 is a fiery little relic from Bolivia’s rugged landscape — tough, beautiful, and biologically rich.
