Capsicum frutescens

Scientific name: Capsicum frutescens L.

Family: Solanaceae

Bengali/Vernacular name: Marich, Kacha lanka, Kacha marich, Lanka-marich.

Tribal name: Moruk (Chak), Sangring-pui (Khumi), Linkew (Murang), Bangal morich (Chakma).

English name: Chillies, Bird chilli, Goat pepper, Chile pepper.

Description of the plant: An erect shrubby herb, up to 1 m high, very variable in height, usually laxly branched. Stem irregularly angular to subterete. Leaves solitary or paired, broadly lanceolate to ovate. Flowers bisexual, axillary white or greenish white, usually 2 or more together. Calyx embracing the base of the fruit. Fruit ovoid to oblong, obtuse or acuminate, unripe fruits green or purplish, ripening to red. orange, yellow.

Plant parts used: Fruit.

Medicinal uses: Powder of the dried fruit is made into paste with water and fried with hot rice is given in bloody dysentery.

Paste prepared from fruit is applied on the affected area to treat muscle pain, back pain.

Crushed fruit mix with oil and apply on affected part of the body to treat arthritis and rheumatism.

Distribution: It is widely cultivated all over the country.

Is this plant misidentified? If yes, please tell us….