This species of pepper is distinguished by its hairy foliage, mauve flowers and black-seeded fruits. In addition, the rocoto is a perennial plant that can tolerate frost down to -5 C and can live up to 15 years. Its fruits are orange-yellow or red, 6-7 cm long, have smooth, shiny skin and thick, juicy flesh that gives off a very strong flavor.
It is often used fresh in the preparation of sauces. It is cultivated at more than 1,600 m altitude in the Andes, in South America in Peru and Bolivia. Often called Rocoto, Manzano (chili-apple), Peròn (chili-pear) or Pepper Tree.