Description
Chilli Name: PI 441620
Chilli Species: Eximium
Chilli Origin: Bolivia
Chilli Heat: Hot
PI 441620 Chilli — A Wild Capsicum eximium from the Highlands of Bolivia
PI 441620 is a wild chilli accession collected in Bolivia, officially classified as Capsicum eximium, and preserved in the USDA Plant Introduction (PI) collection. Like others in this species, it originates from the cool, high-altitude regions of the Andes, where it has adapted to grow in rocky, low-fertility soils under harsh environmental conditions.
The plant is a small, shrubby perennial, displaying the classic eximium features: narrow leaves, purple-tinged stems, and elegant purple flowers with pale centres. The fruits are tiny, upright, and rounded or teardrop-shaped, ripening from green to vivid red. Though small, the pods pack a surprising punch, typically rated between 30,000 and 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
PI 441620 is valued for its natural resilience, particularly its cold tolerance, disease resistance, and genetic diversity. These traits make it a promising candidate for breeding programmes seeking to improve stress tolerance in cultivated chillies. It’s also of interest to collectors and researchers focusing on the evolutionary history of the Capsicum genus.
In summary, PI 441620 is a fiery and rugged wild chilli — a tough little survivor from the Bolivian highlands that adds both heat and heritage to the rich story of wild Capsicum.
