Chili pepper Capsicum chinense

Madame Jeanette
by Hankwang (Own work)
[CC BY-SA 3.0], via Wikimedia Commons

Capsicum chinense is species of chili pepper with several different varieties, including Habanero and Madame Jeanette.

The scientific name (C. chinense) is misleading as is does not originate from China but from Central America and the Caribbeans.

Names

Scientific
   Capsicum chinense
English
   Datil pepper
   Fatalii
   Habanero chili
   Madame Jeanette
   Scotch bonnet
   Yellow lantern chili
Spanish
   Ají limo
   Ají panca
   Habanero
French
   Piment
German
   Habanero
Italian
   Habanero

Taxonomy

Genus
   Capsicum
Family
   Solanaceae
Order
   Solanales

Basic information and facts

Origin:

Central America and Caribbeans

Distribution:

Tropical regions worldwide

Annual, biennial, or perennial:

Perennial, but in cooler climates gown as an annual plant.

Flowers:

Small white flowers with five petals.

Leaves:

Fruits:

A lot of variation in fruit color and shape. Common colors are red, orange and yellow, but sometimes brown fruits can be found.

Climate and weather:

Tropical and subtropical climates

Pollination:

Height:

Some variation but often about 50 centimeters.

Propagation:

Grown from seed

Harvesting:

Pick green or ripe fruits.

Uses:

Habanero chilis are very hot. They are used as a herb or spice to add heat to dishes such as stews and sauces. Often they are used in Mexican food to prepare hot sauces and spicy salsas. The Madame Jeanette variety is commonly used in Surinamese cuisine.

Proverbs and Quotes

Don’t be afraid of the chili pepper, even though it’s so red. (Mexican proverb)
How can you be burnt by chilies which you have not eaten?
Whoever eats chili gets burned.

Pictures