Capsicum pubescens 'Rocoto'

Rocoto is the name given to the Capsicum pubescens species of chillies. It is found primarily in Central and South America. The name component pubescens means hairy, which refers to the hairy leaves of this pepper. The plants, but especially the fruits, are often referred to as Rocoto and Locoto. Of all the domesticated species of peppers this is the least widespread and systematically furthest away from all others. A very notable feature of this species is its ability to withstand cooler temperatures than other pepper plants.

Like all other species of the genus Capsicum and the plants of the species Capsicum pubescens, Rocoto chillies grow as a shrub or sometimes as climbing plants. They grow up to 4m (13ft) tall and can live for up to 15 years, which gives them an almost tree-like appearance.