CAPSICUM. There are many species of Capsicum, all native to the warm parts of America, Africa and Asia, and now cultivated in every part of the world. The small fruited types, generally the most pungent, are best known popularly as "Chilies," and the larger as "Peppers." "Chilies" are used whole in vinegars, pickles, etc., and to grind into cayenne pepper, and "Peppers" are eaten as a vegetable and ground into red pepper.