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Pepper

How to identify Pepper (Capsicum annuum)

Pepper, also known as Chili pepper, Facing heaven pepper, Jalapeño, Anaheim pepper

Pepper is an annual plant characterized by its branched stem and leafy foliage. It features flowers that develop into a variety of colors and shapes of edible fruit, commonly known as peppers. These peppers range from spicy to sweet and vary in color from green to red, yellow, or purple as they mature. The plant thrives in full sunlight, growing well in moist, well-drained, and nutrient-rich soil, and benefits from even moisture. It can reach up to 1.5 feet (45 cm) in height and prefers warm growing conditions. Regularly pinching off the initial blossoms can promote a more bushy growth.

Lifespan

Lifespan: Annual, Perennial, Biennial

Plant Type

Plant Type: Herb

Leaf Type

Leaf Type: Deciduous

Quickly Identify Pepper

1

Fruit sizes vary from 6 inches (15 cm) to smaller shapes.

2

Leaves range from ovate to lance-shaped, up to 5 inches (13 cm) long.

3

Smooth hairless stem can reach 2 feet (60 cm) in height, turning purple at nodes.

4

White flowers with purple anthers, about 1 cm (0.4 inches) wide.

5

Colorful fruit transitions from green to red, yellow, or purple.

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Detailed Traits of Pepper

Leaf Features

The leaves of pepper are deep green, ovate, and range from 1.5 to 5 inches (4 to 13 cm) in length and 0.6 to 1.6 inches (1.5 to 4 cm) in width. They exhibit a smooth margin and may appear in both alternate and opposite arrangements on the stem. The leaf shape varies from oblong to egg- or lance-shaped, with some cultivars starting green and turning shiny black. The leaves maintain vibrant color throughout the growing season.

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Pepper Leaf Arrangement image
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Flower Features

The flowers of pepper are small, measuring about 1 cm (0.4 inches) in diameter. They are white with distinctive purple anthers and usually appear solitary, though they can sometimes be found in small clusters. Blooming in the summer, these flowers have five petals and a simple, symmetrical shape. While not particularly fragrant, their unique coloration makes them easily identifiable. Perfect for the casual observer, these delicate blooms are key to recognizing the species.

Pepper Flower imagePepper Flower image
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Stem Features

The stem of pepper is smooth and hairless, exhibiting a thick, sturdy structure. It typically grows upright, displaying a green hue that may darken to a purple shade at the nodes. The stem features distinct nodes where leaves and branches arise, contributing to a bushy appearance. Measuring up to 2 feet (60 cm) in height, it supports the plant efficiently. The branching pattern is relatively symmetrical, providing a robust framework for the plant's growth.

Pepper Stem image
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Fruit Features

The fruit of pepper is a botanically-classified berry with a diversity of shapes and sizes among cultivars. Typically, these fruits can grow up to 6 inches (15 cm) in length and exhibit variation from long and thin to thick and large. The colors range from bright red to various other hues, while the taste spans from spicy to sweet. The surface texture also varies widely. Inside, they house numerous light yellow seeds that are disk- to kidney-shaped, nestled into the fruit's interior.

Pepper Fruit imagePepper Fruit image
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Key Facts About Pepper

Attributes of Pepper
Lifespan
Annual, Perennial, Biennial
Plant Type
Herb
Plant Height
20 cm to 1 m
Spread
15 cm to 30 cm
Leaf Color
Green
Purple
Flower Size
1 cm to 2 cm
Flower Color
White
Fruit Color
Yellow
Red
Black
Orange
Green
Burgundy
Purple
Gold
White
Stem Color
Green
Leaf type
Deciduous
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Scientific Classification of Pepper

Learn More About the Pepper

Distribution Map of Pepper

Pepper is not found in the wild but is thought to have originated from Central America, most likely in forested lowlands and rocky slopes. It is one of the most cultivated peppers worldwide, but it is also listed as an agricultural weed in parts of Europe and its importation has been restricted in several Central and South American countries.
Native
Cultivated
Invasive
Potentially invasive
Exotic
No species reported
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