Family Name: Solanaceae
Botanical Name(s): Capsicum frutescens L.
Popular Name(s): African red pepper, American pepper, Chili
pepper, Chilies, Garden pepper, Red pepper
Parts Used: Fruits
Habitat: Africa pepper is found in Africa, Asia and South
America. It is available in other parts of the world also.
Description: Africa pepper grows to a height of 3 feet or more.
The plant possesses a stem which is woody at the lower areas but is
branched at the upper parts. The leaves are ovate and petioled. The
flowers are white to yellow in colour. The plant bears fruits which are
in the form of pods having many seeds. The ripen fruit is red or yellow
in colour.
Uses: Africa pepper has antiseptic, antibacterial and
carminative properties. It has beneficial antioxidant and cardiovascular
effects and it benefits gastrointestinal functions. It is used in
bursitis, diabetic neuropathy, osteoarthritis, psoriasis, rheumatoid
arthritis and in a number of other diseases.
