Capsicum eximium

Capsicum eximium is a member of the genus Capsicum with 2n=2x=24, and native to the New World, specifically the Andean region of South America.^[1] It is one of the "purple-flowered" Capsicums along with Capsicum cardenasii and Capsicum pubescens.^[2] Like most other chili peppers, it is both pungent and self-compatible.^[3] It is a member of the Pubescens complex, a natural group of highly related Capsicums.^[4] Natural hybrids between C. pubescens as well as C. tovarii have been found, further supporting the relationship of these species.^[5]

Capsicum eximium
Botanical diagram of Capsicum eximium
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Clade:	Asterids
Order:	Solanales
Family:	Solanaceae
Genus:	Capsicum
Species:	C. eximium
Binomial name
Capsicum eximium Hunz

Plant description

Capsicum eximium is identified by its distinctive purple flowers. The flowers have an entire calyx and bell-shaped corolla that come in various shades of purple. Mature fruit of C. eximium are small, shiny, non-pulpy berries. The seeds are yellow.^[6][7]

Uses

In Bolivia, where the plants occur naturally, C. eximium is used as a spice.^[6] Also, since it is a wild pepper species, it has been used extensively in phylogenetic studies to better understand the relationships of peppers and different gene models.^[1]