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Taxonomy

The five Capsicum species

Almost every chilli you'll meet belongs to one of five domesticated species. Browse them here, with their varieties — and sub-varieties nested beneath their parent.

Capsicum annuum

59 varieties

The most widely grown species — bell peppers, jalapeños, cayennes and most everyday chillies.

Capsicum baccatum

7 varieties

South American “ají” peppers — distinctive, often fruity and citrusy.

Capsicum chinense

23 varieties

Home of the superhots — habaneros, Scotch bonnets, ghosts and reapers.

Capsicum frutescens

6 varieties

Compact, prolific bird's-eye types — Tabasco and piri-piri.

Capsicum pubescens

2 varieties

Hardy, hairy-leaved rocoto and manzano peppers with black seeds.

See heat instead on the Scoville scale, or browse everything in the variety index.