Comparative Study on Morphological Characteristics, Ethno Botanical and Ethno Pharmacological Importance of Capsicum annuum L. var. Annuum and Capsicum annuum L. var. Frutescens

Background: Capsicum annuum L. belongs to the family Solanaceae is primarily used as a spicy vegetable and as a minor ingredient in wide variety of cuisines, dishes, spice blends and sauces. The current study was dealt with the comparison of morphology of vegetative and reproductive parts and ethno botanical and pharmacological importance of Capsicum annuum L. var. Annuum and Capsicum annuum L. var. Frutescens. Both are shrubby herbs which have an average height ranging between 60-75 cm. Methods: The study materials (flowers, fruits and seeds) were collected from each ten plants of the two varieties of Capsicum annuum L. (Capsicum annuum L. var. Annuum and Capsicum annuum L. var. Frutescens) based on their fruit setting. Result: The results clearly showed the morphological similarities and differences present in terms of nature and arrangement of leaves, flowers and fruits and a short review of their ethno botanical and pharmacological properties.