Description
The colour plate shows a historical botanical illustration of the plant Capsicum longum (a variety of Spanish pepper, now usually classified as Capsicum annuum), which belongs to the nightshade family. These plants require plenty of sun, warmth and nutrient-rich, well-drained soil. The fruits are used worldwide as a spice (hot or mild) and as a vegetable in cooking. The substance responsible for the heat is capsaicin, which is also used in medicine (e.g. in heat patches).
Plaque: Geneva Conservatory and Botanical Garden – 1990
