Description
Chilli Name: PI 446505
Chilli Species: Eximium
Chilli Origin: Bolivia
Chilli Heat: Hot
PI 446505 Chilli — A Rare Capsicum eximium from the Bolivian Highlands
PI 446505 is a wild chilli accession from Bolivia, officially classified as Capsicum eximium, and preserved in the USDA Plant Introduction (PI) collection. This species is native to the Andean highlands, where it grows naturally at high elevations in rocky, temperate regions — making it one of the more cold-tolerant wild chillies.
The plant forms a sprawling, shrubby bush, often with purplish stems, small leaves, and striking purple flowers marked by a white or pale centre — a hallmark of C. eximium. It produces tiny, upright, oval-shaped pods that ripen from green to a rich red. Though small, the chillies are fiery, with estimated heat levels between 30,000 and 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
PI 446505 is particularly valued for its wild genetics, offering strong pest resistance, drought tolerance, and adaptability to cooler climates. While not a culinary staple due to the small pod size, it is an excellent choice for breeding projects, biodiversity conservation, and growers interested in exploring the ancient, untamed branches of the Capsicum family tree.
In short, PI 446505 is a bold, resilient chilli from the Bolivian wilds — small in size, but full of fire and genetic potential.
