Description
Chilli Name: CAPSICUM VILLOSUM
Chilli Species: Villosum
Chilli Origin: Brazil
Chilli Heat: Unknown
A wild Capsicum species native to southern Brazil.
Capsicum villosum is a rare and lesser-known wild chilli species, native to the Amazon basin and surrounding tropical regions of South America. As the name suggests, it’s recognised for its fine “villosity”—tiny hairs that give the leaves and stems a soft, fuzzy texture.
The chillies themselves are typically small, upright pods, ripening from green to a bright red or orange. Though not commonly used in commercial cooking, they carry a sharp, pungent heat with a wild, almost citrusy bite. This makes them more of a collector's curiosity or a breeding parent than a kitchen staple.
As a wild species, Capsicum villosum requires a little extra care to grow. It prefers consistently warm temperatures and can be slow to germinate. Once established, the plant can be quite hardy, with a unique look and growth habit that sets it apart from domestic varieties.
