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| Description: |
An annual herb or subshrub 0.5-1.5 m tall, erect much
branched. Stem irregularly angular to to subterete up to 1 cm in diameter, green to
brown-green with purplish spots near nodes . Leaves alternate, simple and very variable.
Flowers usually borne singly, terminal. Fruit a non- pulpy berry, very variable in size,
shape, color, and degree of pungency, up to 30 mm long green, yellow, cream or purplish
when immature, red orange, yellow brown when mature. |
| Ecological distribution: |
New World origin, originated in South America, introduced and
cultivated throughout South-East Asia. They grow at a wide range of altitudes, with
rainfall between 600-1250 mm. |
| Parts used: |
Leaves, fruits. |
| Traditional uses: |
Externally – carminative and antispasmodic in colics;
relief of rheumatic pain. Used as spice in cooking. |
| Special precautions: |
Capsicum may cause stomach irritation. Should not be taken
during pregnancy and lactation. |
| Product available: |
Liniment |
| Further information in: |
de Padua,L.S., N.
Bunyapraphatsara, R.H.M.J. Lemmens (Editors). 1999. Plant Resources of South East Asia
12(1) Medicinal and Poisonous Plants. Backhuys Publishers, Leiden, the Netherlands.771
pp. |
| Or contact: |
RED Foundation Inc., Los Baņos,
Laguna 4031 Philippines Tel no. (63) (049) 536 0205. |
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