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From: darrow@iuvax.UUCP
Newsgroups: net.garden
Subject: Re: Tobasco Pepper seeds?
Message-ID: <4800002@iuvax.UUCP>
Date: Tue, 29-Jan-85 08:18:00 EST
Article-I.D.: iuvax.4800002
Posted: Tue Jan 29 08:18:00 1985
Date-Received: Thu, 31-Jan-85 06:40:38 EST
References: <2663@dartvax.UUCP>
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Nf-ID: #R:dartvax:-266300:iuvax:4800002:000:1645
Nf-From: iuvax!darrow    Jan 29 08:18:00 1985


[line chomper like bird pepper?] 

There are several species of peppers, and almost all of the peppers consumed
belong to the species _Capsicum annuum_ (including all the chili peppers,
sweet peppers, bell peppers).  _Capsicum frutescens_ is not generally
cultivated, except for the production of Tobasco Sauce.  The unfortunate
thing is that the names used for ``peppers'' have never been wholly agreed
upon by Botanists, and names like _C.  frutescens_ have been applied
variously and inconsistently (and incorrectly).  There are some other
species that occasionally get into cultivation, including _C. chinensis_.
``Thai Hot'' pepper, is a _annuum_ type of pepper, and is ``primitive'' in
that the fruits are small, intensly hot, and borne erect on the plant above
the foliage (in contrast to hanging down, and being sheilded by the
foliage).  This type is also called ``bird pepper'' (implying the method of
seed dispersal is through bird injestion and, eventually ``planting'' of the
seeds in their own dollap of fertilizer).  

How can all the chili peppers and bell peppers be the same species you ask?
Easy.  Artificial selection by humans over time for certain traits (in many
places and for different traits, simultaneously).  Some other examples of
diverse ``varieties'' or ``cultivars'' belonging to one species are 1) field
corn, sweet corn, popcorn, etc.  2) broccoli, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi,
cauliflower, Brussels sprouts and collard greens.  Similar selection in
domestic dogs, cats, and chickens have produced diverse and bizarre types.

Have fun with the hot peppers!!  (Yum yum)

Dave Darrow		iuvax!darrow
Indiana University