A Comprehensive Study On Chilli Peppers (Capsicum L.)

Capsicum L. is an erect annual plant reaching up to 150 cm in height while the other species are generally perennial shrubs. An adult Capsicum L. plant has a single stem with 8-15 leaves before the emergence of the first tenninal flower. When the first floral bud develops branching at the apex into two or more shoots starts. Each shoot has one or two leaves tenninates in a flower and then divides into two second-order branches. The two lateral branches form a dichasium and the tenninal bud develops into a floral apex. One of the dichotomic branches is sometimes suppressed especially in the third and higher order branches so that the branch system evolves towards a sympodium. The root system consists of a main taproot and extensively branched lateral roots system. Leaves are very variable in shape but remain simple. The flower is monoecious and solitary. The calyx is bell-shaped with five teeth and the corolla is wheel to bell shaped with five to six parts which are white or green. There are five or six stamens inserted near the base of the corolla. The period of anthesis is relatively short. Self-pollination is common but a high rate of cross-pollination also occurs.