Capsiceae

Capsiceae is a tribe of flowering plants in the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is placed within the subfamily Solanoideae, and in many modern classifications Capsiceae is treated as monogeneric, comprising only the genus Capsicum, which includes the cultivated peppers and chilies.

Species and diversity: Capsicum encompasses roughly 20 to 30 species, including the economically important cultivated species Capsicum annuum, C. chinense, C. frutescens, C. baccatum, and C. pubescens. These species exhibit a variety of fruit shapes, sizes, and pungency levels.

Description: Capsicum plants are typically herbaceous perennials or short, woody shrubs. Leaves are simple and alternate; flowers are five-lobed and usually white to pale purple. The fruit is a berry that develops from a multi-carpellate ovary; colors often change from green to yellow, orange, or red as fruit matures. Pungency arises from capsaicinoids concentrated in the placenta of the fruit.

Distribution and habitat: Capsicum species are native to the Americas, ranging from the southwestern United States and northern Mexico through Central America to northern Argentina. They are now widely cultivated in warm regions worldwide and have escaped cultivation in many areas.

Taxonomy and phylogeny: Capsicum is a well-supported clade within Solanaceae; molecular phylogenetics support its monophyly. The tribe Capsiceae, as circumscribed in many sources, includes Capsicum as its sole genus.

Uses: Pepper fruits are used as spices, vegetables, and condiments. Varieties range from mild to very pungent and are central to numerous culinary traditions. Capsaicin and related compounds are studied for pharmaceutical and pesticidal applications.