Description
Chilli Name: PI 438648
Chilli Species: Eximium
Chilli Origin: Bolivia
Chilli Heat: Hot
PI 438648 Chilli — A Wild Bolivian Chilli from the Species Capsicum eximium
PI 438648 is a wild chilli accession from Bolivia, classified as Capsicum eximium, and preserved in the USDA’s Plant Introduction (PI) database. This species is native to the Andean highlands, particularly Bolivia, where it grows in rocky, high-altitude regions and is part of the group of wild chillies known for their beautiful purple flowers and compact form.
The plant forms a small, bushy perennial, with thin, dark green leaves and striking purple flowers that feature pale or white centres — a visual marker of C. eximium. It produces tiny, upright pods, typically round or slightly oval, that ripen from green to deep red. Though small, these pods pack a fiery punch, typically ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
PI 438648 is highly valued for its resilience, thriving in cooler climates, low-nutrient soils, and high altitudes. It also shows natural pest resistance, making it a potential genetic resource for breeding tougher Capsicum cultivars. While its tiny pods limit its use in everyday cooking, the variety is often grown by enthusiasts, researchers, and breeders interested in wild chilli diversity and conservation.
In short, PI 438648 is a compact, highland chilli with bold heat and wild beauty — a fiery little survivor from Bolivia’s chilli heartland.
