Capsicum frutescens (Nai Miris)

Nai Miris (නයි මිරිස්) is a spicy chilli native to Sri Lanka, also known as “kochchi” in Sinhala and “mulaga” in Tamil. It belongs to the species Capsicum chinense, the same as scotch bonnet and habanero chillies.

Nai Miris plants are soft‑stemmed shrubs producing small but intensely hot fruits. They are highly prized in Sri Lankan cuisine for their strong heat and distinctive flavor, commonly used in sambols like Pol sambol or onion sambol, adding a fiery kick to rice and curry dishes.

Beyond culinary uses, Nai Miris contains capsaicin, known for its pain‑relieving and anti‑inflammatory effects. Local varieties are being studied for export potential, with some strains showing superior fruit size, yield, and growth characteristics. Cultivation in controlled environments has also been explored to increase yield and quality.

Capsicum frutescens is part of the catalog of ayurvedic medicinal plants of Sri Lanka.