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Charles Zidar
ANCIENT MAYA BOTANICAL RESEARCH |
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| Family: | Solanaceae | | Genus: | Capsicum | | Species: | annuum | | Authority: | L. | | Common Name: | red pepper | | Maya Name: | Bird pepper, chile colarado, wild pepper | | Maya Plant Use: | Peppers are native to Mexico and Central America, and were a staple food for the Inca in Peru. Chili peppers were brought to India in the 1500's. A substance called capsaicin produces the hotness of peppers. They are part of the Nightshade family of plants. There are two varieties of peppers: (Simpson and Ogorzaly, 1995).
• The Grossum Group
The Grossum Group produces sweet peppers. Bell peppers and banana peppers fall into this category.
• The Longum Group
The Longum Group produces hot peppers, chili and cayenne, for example.
| | Botanical Significance: | Given the wide use of peppers in the region, it is surprising that this plant is not seen more often in ancient Maya art... | | Notes: | Found in Tehuacan, Mexico dating from 7200 to 5200 B.C. (S. Coe, 1994)
Include C. chinense? |
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