Description
Chilli Name: PI 439432
Chilli Species: Eximium
Chilli Origin: Bolivia
Chilli Heat: Hot
PI 439432 Chilli — A Wild Andean Chilli from the Species Capsicum eximium
PI 439432 is a wild chilli accession from Bolivia, classified as Capsicum eximium, and conserved in the USDA Plant Introduction (PI) collection. Native to the Andean highlands, this species is part of a unique group of wild Capsicums known for their adaptability to cooler, high-altitude environments and their role in preserving ancient genetic traits.
The plant grows as a compact, shrubby perennial, displaying narrow leaves and beautiful purple flowers with pale centres — a distinctive feature of C. eximium. It produces small, upright pods, often round or slightly pointed, that ripen from green to red. Despite their modest size, these pods carry a notable heat level of 30,000 to 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU), with a quick, sharp burn.
PI 439432 is prized for its cold tolerance, disease resistance, and ability to thrive in low-fertility soils — characteristics shaped by its native Andean ecosystem. These traits make it a valuable resource for breeding programmes seeking hardier, more climate-resilient chilli varieties.
While not suited for large-scale culinary use due to its small fruit size, this accession is ideal for collectors, researchers, and growers interested in wild Capsicum preservation and evolution.
In summary, PI 439432 is a hardy, fiery, and botanically significant chilli from Bolivia’s mountainous regions — a true survivor from the wild side of the Capsicum genus.
