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Chiltepin: Ecology - Culture - Cultivation - Accessions - FAQ

Ecology of the Chiltepin

Chiltepin naturally grow in the (semi-)desert of the American Southwest and the Mexican North, commonly in areas where desert and mountains meet, often close to rivers or on the edges of fields.

Thus, they tend to get quite a lot of sunlight (but grow under nurse plants, so outside of direct exposure) and a low amount of water. Drought, howver, reduces the fruit production considerably, whereas times with above-average rainfall tend to result in larger-than-usual harvests.

Birds serve as spreading agents: Unlike mammals, they lack the receptor which causes chile peppers to "burn" but are (equally) attracted to shiny red berries. And those make it a bit easier, again, being presented above the foliage and separating from their pedicels easily.

Having been eaten by birds, the seeds do not get digested but only receive a treatment which is good for breaking their dormancy, and are then deposited below other nurse trees, wrapped in their own personal starter package of fertilizer...