Seed Availability

Seeds are not available for the Galapagos Island Pepper. Please visit our seed store to view current selections.

Description

A shrubby plant that can grow as high as 3-4 feet, though often remains smaller. Growth habit is similar to C. annuum. This species is noteworthy for its hairy, aromatic (though pleasant) leaves. The leaves generally remain small and casually resemble the tepin pepper in form. Flowers are small, solid white, similar in appearance to standard C. annuum flowers. This species is said to cross with C. annuum. Along with C. chacoense, the Galapagos Island Pepper is the most closely related wild pepper to all of the common wild and domesticated pepper species.

Hardiness

Unknown, but apparently not frost hardy. Plants are best kept at subtropical warm temperatures.

Growing Environment

This species is known to be a challenge to bring to full fruiting. Prefers moderately warm temperatures, protected from cold and intense heat. Forcing blooms can be a challenge with some specimens, but easier with others.

Propagation

Usually by seeds. The seeds can be very slow to germinate and sometimes difficult to sprout.

Uses

An extremely rare, though sought after ornamental curiosity. The fruits are edible and useful, but the plant is quite uncommon and is usually grown as a conversation piece or by collectors.

Native Range

Native only to the Galapagos Islands.

Related Species

Solanaceae
	Acnistus arborescens Wild Tobacco		Brugmansia arborea Angel's Trumpet
	Brugmansia aurea Golden Angel's Trumpet		Brugmansia candida White Angel's Trumpet
	Brugmansia sanguinea Red Angel's Trumpet		Brugmansia suaveolens Angel's Trumpet
	Brugmansia versicolor Orange Angel's Trumpet		Capsicum caballeroi Capsicum caballeroi
	Capsicum exile Cobincho Pepper		Capsicum eximium Capsicum eximium
	Capsicum flexuosum Capsicum flexuosum		Capsicum galapagoense Galapagos Island Pepper
	Capsicum praetermissum Cumari		Capsicum rhomboideum Capsicum rhomboideum
	Cyphomandra abutiloides Dwarf Tamarillo		Cyphomandra betacea Tree Tomato
	Datura inoxia Thorn Apple		Datura metel Double Purple Datura
	Iochroma australe (Acnistus australis) Mini Angel's Trumpet		Iochroma cyaneum Violet Churcu
	Iochroma fuchsioides Red Iochroma		Iochroma grandiflora Giant Iochroma
	Jaltomata procumbens Jaltomato		Lycopersicon melanocarpa Lycopersicon melanocarpa
	Lycopersicon skorospelka Lycopersicon skorospelka		Nicotiana glauca Tree Tobacco
	Physalis alkekengi Chinese Lantern		Physalis angulata Mullaca
	Physalis costomatl Cotztomatl		Physalis ixocarpa Tomatillo
	Physalis minima Sunberry		Physalis peruviana Cape Gooseberry
	Physalis pruinosa Ground Cherry		Solanum aviculare Kangaroo Apple
	Solanum burbankii Wonderberry		Solanum caripense Tzimbalo
	Solanum chessmanii Galapagos Island Tomato		Solanum dulcamara Bittersweet
	Solanum hispidum Giant Devil's Fig		Solanum lycocarpum Fruit for Wolves
	Solanum macrocarpon Gbogname		Solanum mammosum Nipple Fruit
	Solanum melanocerasum Garden Huckleberry		Solanum muricatum Pepino
	Solanum pseudolulo Pseudolulo		Solanum quitoense Naranjilla
	Solanum sessiliflorum Cocona		Solanum uporo Cannibal's Tomato
	Withania somnifera Ashwagandha