Capsicum
(from kapto, to bite; on account of the biting heat of the seeds and pericarp). ORD. Solanaceae. Shrubs or sub-shrubs, rarely herbs. Peduncles extra-axillary, one-flowered. Leaves scattered, solitary, or twin, and quite entire. Many of the species, although possessing considerable beauty, are but rarely grown, either for decoration or for the use of their fruit; consequently, we confine our specific enumeration to the Common Capsicum, the Bird Pepper or Chili, and the Bell Pepper. The first two of these have long been in cultivation, for use either in a green state for pickles and for making Chili vinegar, or ripened and ground as Cayenne Pepper. Some sorts are exceedingly ornamental for greenhouse decoration in winter, if plants are well grown in rather small pots, and the fruit ripened under glass. The varieties producing small pods are the hottest, and consequently best suited for making