Capsicum chinense is a member of a family.
Capsicum -LRB- -LSB- ˈkæpsᵻkəm -RSB- also known as peppers -RRB- is a genus of flowering plants in the nightshade family Solanaceae .. Solanaceae. Solanaceae. genus. genus. nightshade. Solanum. Its species are native to the Americas , where they have been cultivated for thousands of years .. Following the Columbian Exchange , it has become cultivated worldwide , and it has also become a key element in many cuisines .. Columbian Exchange. Columbian Exchange. In addition to use as spices and food vegetables , Capsicum species have also been used as medicines and lachrymatory agents .