There are over 20 known species of pepper. Most of the peppers grown in the United States belong to the species Capsicum annuum. Capsicum annuum is a small shrubby member of the Solanaceae, or nightshade family. Although it is perennial in tropical climates, it is cultivated as an annual in colder areas. The species is divided into various groups based on fruit shape, flavor, pungency, color, and culinary use.
Chile pepper is a common name given to the pungent chile cultivars.
However, chile actually means pepper regardless of whether the fruits are pungent or sweet. Other names given to this fruit are pepper, chili, chilli, aji, and paprika. Bell pepper usually refers to the nonpungent blocky chile types. Chile fruits are considered vegetables because of when we eat them during the meal, but botanically they are considered berries. Ancho' has a sweetish flavor, 'Mulato' is chocolaty, 'Mirasol' is fruity, and 'Chipotle' is smoky.