Description
Chilli Name: PI 439463
Chilli Species: Eximium
Chilli Origin: Bolivia
Chilli Heat: Hot
PI 439463 Chilli — A Wild Capsicum eximium from the Highlands of Bolivia
PI 439463 is a wild chilli accession collected in Bolivia and classified as Capsicum eximium, one of the oldest lineages in the Capsicum genus. It is preserved in the USDA Plant Introduction (PI) collection and represents the diverse wild chilli populations native to the Andean highlands, where extreme environmental conditions have shaped their resilience.
The plant grows as a small, shrubby perennial, well adapted to cool climates, poor soils, and high altitudes. Like others in its species, it features narrow, dark green leaves, purple-tinged stems, and distinctive purple flowers with pale centres — a hallmark of C. eximium. The fruits are tiny, upright, and round to slightly teardrop-shaped, ripening from green to red. Despite their size, they are fiery, typically rated between 30,000 and 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
PI 439463 is mainly valued for its genetic traits — including cold tolerance, pest resistance, and adaptability — making it useful for breeding programmes and conservation. It also appeals to collectors focused on preserving the wild ancestors of cultivated chillies.
In summary, PI 439463 is a small but potent example of Bolivia’s rich Capsicum biodiversity — a hardy, highland chilli that connects us to the untamed roots of the chilli pepper family.
