Âé¶¹´«Ã½

Earth

These searing hot chilli peppers are in danger thanks to snakes

By Jake Buehler

15 March 2018

Âé¶¹´«Ã½. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

Donne’ sali chilli peppers

Monika Egerer

The donne’ sali chilli is the hottest pepper in the West Pacific’s Mariana Islands. It features prominently in the local cuisine and is beloved by the local people. But the pepper is facing an unexpected danger: snakes.

The donne’ sali chilli is a variant of , the species that also gives us Tabasco chilli. It was probably introduced to the Mariana Islands in the 17th century. Nowadays it grows wild in the understory.

Birds were thought to be the main consumers of the chilli’s fruits, since they don’t feel its spicy capsaicin…

Sign up to our weekly newsletter

Receive a weekly dose of discovery in your inbox. We'll also keep you up to date with Âé¶¹´«Ã½ events and special offers.

Sign up

To continue reading, today with our introductory offers

or

Existing subscribers

Sign in to your account
Piano Exit Overlay Banner Mobile Piano Exit Overlay Banner Desktop