Chenopodium murale L. (CHILLI)

The term Chilli is quoted by brhat trayi which is synonymous with vastuka (C.S.Su.27/96; S.S.Su.20/5, 42/18. 46/256, 46/261, 46/335,  Ci.6/8 & A.H.SU.6/93-96).  Though vastuka is quoted by brhat trayi, it may be treated as a variety of Capsicum or some other plant.  Actually, we come across two varieties of vastuka in the literature viz., vastuka and tanka vastuka, They are recognized as C. album and C. murale respectively. Probably Chilli is the synonym commonly used for tanka vastuka.  Description of vastuka and Chilli is indicative of vastuka dvaya in madanapala nighantu.  Another variety of vastuka is considered as ‘laghupatra Chilli’ by vagbhata (A.H.Su.6/96). 

Botanical Description – This is an annual herb reaching 70 cm in height with an erect stem which is usually red or red-streaked green and leafy with green foliage. The oval to triangular leaves are toothed and broad, smooth on the upper surface and powdery on the undersides. The inflorescences are powdery clusters of spherical buds. The buds do not open into typical flower blossoms but remain with the sepals covering the ovary as the fruit develops. This plant is native to Europe and parts of Asia and northern Africa, but it is widespread worldwide, particularly in tropical and subtropical areas due to its being easily introduced. It is a common weed of fields and roadsides.