Description
Chilli Name: CAP 477
Chilli Species: Praetermissum
Chilli Origin: Brazil
Chilli Heat: Hot
CAP 477 Chilli — Wild Heat and Elegance from Brazil’s Capsicum praetermissum Collection
CAP 477 is a striking wild chilli from the Capsicum praetermissum species, originally collected in Brazil and preserved as part of the CAPS accession series curated by the Chile Pepper Institute. Like others in its species, CAP 477 blends ornamental beauty with wild chilli intensity, making it a favourite among collectors and biodiversity-focused growers.
The plant grows into a compact, shrubby form with purple-tinged stems, dark green foliage, and eye-catching purple-marked flowers — a signature trait of praetermissum. It produces masses of small, round, upright pods that ripen from green to red, often displaying deep purple shades during transition. Despite their tiny size, the pods pack serious heat, generally ranging from 30,000 to 60,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHU).
CAP 477 is especially well-suited for cooler climates and is known for its perennial habit in frost-free zones. It thrives in less fertile soil, resists pests naturally, and can live for several years with minimal intervention — all characteristics that have made praetermissum species a topic of interest in chilli breeding programmes.
While not a culinary chilli in the traditional sense, CAP 477 is perfect for sauces, fermentations, or ornamental use — and ideal for anyone looking to explore the wilder side of the Capsicum family.
