This is, for me, another confusing pepper. The USDA, and others, list it as a synonym for C.baccatum var. baccatum . I have also seen it called a synonym for C.frutescens var. baccatum.?? Problem is that none of the three varieties I have grown has spots on the flowers and the baccatum var. baccatums I have grown do have the characteristic spots.

CAP 253-C. microcarpum


CAP 213-C.microcarpum


CAP477-C.microcarpum


PI 238061-C. baccatum var. baccatum


CGN 17174-C. baccatum var. baccatum



Any thoughts?

The only "microcarpum" I have grown, PI-260567 is a clear domesticated baccatum. Microcarpum seems to be one of those very early terms, a remnant from the era when peppers were only classified by their shape of fruit, etc. Therefore, it includes just about anything, and has lost all its true meaning.

Yes, the USDA now classifies that as baccatum var. baccatum.

Posted on another forum:

Hi John,
in the taxonomy of the species of the capsicum there is also
"Capsicum annuum L. var. microcarpum (Cavanilles) Voss"
SYNONYM(S) : Capsicum microcarpum Cav.

This species has flowers white without spots.
Probably the exact species is this.

Luigi

Truly a mess.

Is it the wrong color balance in the first picture, or are the flowers really a bit blueish?

Color balance--flowers were white-another picture