The specific epithet “baccatum” means “berried” or “berry-like.”
There are two subspecies: “C.baccatum var. baccatum” and “C. baccatum var. pendulum,” The later previously confused with the common bird pepper.
Both subspecies are found in the lowlands and middle elevations of Bolivia, but
“baccatum” ranges southward into Argentina whereas “pendulum” ranges northward into Peru.
In South America, where C. baccatum is widely grown, this pepper is referred to as “aji.” The wrinkled
fruits of “aji” are distinctively fruity, aromatic, and colorful. The plants have large leaves.
The flowers are solitary and the corollas creamy white (with diffuse white spots at the bases of lobes). Seeds are
straw colored.
Examples of this species include ‘Aji Dulce’ and ‘Kellu Uchu.