History of Capsicum

Capsicum is a member of the Solanaceae family that includes tomato, potato, tobacco and petunia. Capsicum consists of approximately 22 wild species and five domesticated species including C. Annum, C. Baccatum, C. Chinense, C. Frutescens and C. Pubescens. They are cultivated for use in spices, eatable chilies, sweet pepper and ornamental peppers.
In nature, Capsicum grows as a small perennial shrub and was originally from Middle and South America. They are classified by fruit characteristics like pungency, colour, shape, size and use. Capsicum is the most widely cultivated pepper plant because of the diversity in fruits and ornamental value.