Chilli is a perennial shrub and is mainly used as a spice. They grow at a maximum height of approximately 1.5 meters. The stem of the chilli is fleshy, and erect and the base is woody in nature. The leaves are wide and not equal in shape and the tips of the leaves are pointed.
Generally, chilli flowers contain five to six petals each and are bisexual. The fruit is hollow and contains numerous seeds. The chilli has different colours that vary from green, orange, white, yellow and red. The botanical name of chilli is Capsicum frutescens. In this tutorial, we will learn about chilli in depth.
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Order: Solanales
Family: Solanaceae
Genus: Capsicum
Species: annuum
Botanical name: Capsicum frutescens
Kingdom Plantae includes all types of autotrophic, multicellular, and eukaryotic plants.
Magnoliophyta is also known as angiosperms. The flowering plants are included in the division Magnoliophyta. This is one of the most diverse groups and includes most of the economically important plants.
Solanales is the order of flowering plants that includes 5 families with 165 genera and more than 4080 species. Out of the five families, two families are large and accommodate most of the highly cultivated plants.
Solanaceae is the largest family of Solanales with 100 genera having species of more than 2200 are mainly distributed in the tropical and temperate climates of the world. The majority of crop plants such as potatoes, tomatoes, eggplants, tobacco, and bell peppers are included in this family. This family contains exceptionally rich medicinal plants. Plants are herbs, shrubs, or small trees rarely climbing shrubs.
In binomial nomenclature, the genus is the generic name while the species is the specific name. The generic name is always written in capital letters while the specific name is never capitalized. The generic name is always written first followed by the species name.
The species of chilli is Capsicum frutescens. It was first reported in Central and South America and widely distributed across the globe. Some chilli plants are wild plants. They are perennial shrubs.
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The species of chilli pepper was first reported in Central and South America. It is widely distributed in all tropical and subtropical countries. In India, different varieties of chilli are available across the country. The Portuguese first introduced chilli in India almost four hundred years ago. In accordance with the latest report, India is at the top in the production of chilli followed by China, Peru, Spain and Mexico.
The favourable conditions for the growth of chilli are as described below −
Chilli plants required warm, humid as well as dry weather conditions for their proper growth and development.
The temperature should range between 200C-250C for chilli growth.
Moisture also plays an important role in the growth of chilli.
It is grown in black soil and sandy loam that contain organic content.
The PH level of soil should range between 6.5 and 7.5.
It can grow as a Rabi crop and Karif crops.
It cannot withstand a lot of water.
The uses of chillies are listed below −
It is broadly used as a spice.
It is used as an additive in seasoning.
It is also used in the preparation of chilli sauce, pepper sauce etc.
It is used for colour extraction.
In food and beverage processors the colour extraction process is in high demand as it is a natural plant colour.
The medicinal values of chilli are listed below −
Green chillies are a source of vitamin C.
Chilli can accelerate metabolism and improve digestion. Chilli powder is ample with antioxidants that help to subsidise stomach upset, intestinal gas, cramps and diarrhoea. It can also reduce the risk of diabetes.
It is used in the treatment of headaches and migraines.
A diet containing hot chilli reduces the chance of cancer due to its high antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Studies reveal that capsaicin compounds that are present in chilli retarded the growth of leukaemia cells and reduce the chances of prostate cancer.
It can fight colds, flu as well as fungal infections.
It helps in reducing weight. Chilli pepper contains capsaicin which can reduce appetite.
Capsaicin compounds that are present in chilli are also used in the manufacturing of ointments. These ointments are used for arthritis pain, joint pains and also to treat sore muscles.
Chilli contains minerals, potassium, iron etc. Potassium is good for heart and blood pressure.
Chilli is a perennial shrub used as a spice. They grow at a height of approximately 1.5 meters. The stem of the chilli is fleshy, and erect and the base is woody in nature. The leaves are wide and not equal in shape and the tips of the leaves are pointed. The species of chilli pepper was first reported in Central and South America. The Portuguese first introduced chilli in India almost four hundred years ago. Chilli has many medicinal uses but it too has side effects. The chilli should not be used by an individual who has suffered from diseases like acidity, burning sensation in the stomach and ulcers.
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