Capsicum Rhomboideum Chilli Seeds

Capsicum Rhomboideum Seeds. Now this not only a very rare but also a very controversial wild chilli species. Also known as Capsicum Ciliatum and Witheringia Ciliata. Indigenous to isolated pockets in Southern Mexico, North of Peru and Venezuela, this is one of the oldest know species of Capsicum known to man. Scientists have established that this species has 13 sets (26) Chromosomes, which puts it in the cradle of the capsicum genus. In fact this species grew on planet earth long before the Andean mountain range came to be - some 25 million years ago! So this plant has been around for a long time - respect!

The Rhomboideum has long been debated by scientists on whether this species in fact belongs into the Capsicum genus of plants. Scientists have classified, declassified and reclassified this species as belonging to the Capsicum family of plants. It is easy to understand the confusion as this plant is totally unique and very different to capsicum in general. The plant has a very unique structure and shape. Branches are more wispy and creeper like than structured. The plant is medium to large with sprawling, swaying branches. Rhomboideum gets its name from its leaf shape that are rhomboid to heart shape in appearance. Leaves are hairy, much like C. Pubescens plants. Very unusual and attractive yellow umbrella shaped flowers that hang from the plant from long stems. Fruits from the Rhomboideum are small. Small spherical shaped pods attached to long stems with 5 long calyxes. The fruit ripen from light green to a salmon greenish colour and eventually to a blood red once fully ripe.

Pods are very delicate. Slightly tough outer skin and very succulent inside. There is a slight minerally/vegetative aroma to the plants, but very very slight. Flavour too is almost non existent with a very very slight minerally sweet berry flavour. To boot, this plant has absolutely no pungency (spiciness or heat). So, ladies and gents - this plant is not about spice or flavour or cooking. This plant will add nothing culinary to the table. This plant is about the species. It is one of the oldest varieties of capsicum and incredibly rare. There are but a few seeds (±6-8) inside the pods that are small and brown in colour - which again makes this plant quite unique.

We can not stress this enough - Wild Capsicum can be very difficult to germinate and grow as a rule. Some varieties can take months to germinate. We really do not recommend beginners trying wild varieties, as these require lots of experience with chillies to have any success. The good news is that the Capsicum Rhomboideum is one of the easiest wild varieties to germinate and grow. It is also fairly tollerant to colder weather, allowing it to be over-wintered in South africa if sheltered in a green house or tunnel. So for the avid chilli grower who is trying wild varieties for the first time, we would recommend giving this species a try first. On the flip side, while this species is easy to grow, getting the plants to bloom and the fruit to set can proove to be a little tricky and will need advanced growing skills to accomplish. It has taken our mother plant 3 years to give us pods!

Due to the rarity and limited number of seeds available, this variety is limited to (2) one packet per customer.

Wild Varieties are not for beginner chilli growers and should only be attempted by experienced growers. Low germination rates in wild chilli varieties are a matter of fact and not a reflection on quality of seeds sold!