Description
Chilli Name: PI 438645
Chilli Species: Eximium
Chilli Origin: Bolivia
Chilli Heat: Hot
PI 438645 Chilli — A Wild Bolivian Chilli from the Species Capsicum eximium
PI 438645 is a wild chilli accession from Bolivia, officially classified as Capsicum eximium, and preserved in the USDA Plant Introduction (PI) collection. Native to the Andean highlands, C. eximium is one of the oldest and most distinct species in the Capsicum genus, known for its cold tolerance, ornamental flowers, and compact, shrubby growth habit.
This accession produces a dense, bushy plant with narrow green leaves and striking purple flowers with pale throats, a signature trait of eximium. The pods are tiny, upright, and round to oval, ripening from green to deep red. Despite their small size, these chillies carry a powerful 30,000–60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU) — enough to surprise even experienced growers. The flavour is wild and sharp, often with a hint of fruitiness.
PI 438645 is particularly suited to cooler climates and high-altitude conditions, reflecting its Andean origins. It shows strong pest and disease resistance and is a popular choice for collectors, seed savers, and researchers focused on wild Capsicum diversity.
While it’s not widely used in cooking due to the pod size, it holds great value for breeding programmes, ornamental gardens, and those exploring the untamed side of the chilli world. A fiery little gem from Bolivia’s rugged landscape.
