Yes, and no. Bhut Jolokia is an *old* stabilized hybrid.
When DNA tests were conducted, it was found that the plants were predominantly Chinense with some Frutescens contribution. The Yellow, Brown, Peach, and Caramel Bhut Jolokia are *mutations* found on the Bhut Jolokia.

The Purple, White, Orange "Bhut Jolokia" are most certainly hybrids and may have very little true Bhut Jolokia genetics in the cross. In the case of the Purple "Bhut," I wonder if there's any Bhut lineage at all.

Josh

Excellent answer Josh. I'm always amazed by your limitless pepper knowledge. You must do a lot of reading. I'm growing the caramel bhut this year. I'm pretty excited to taste it. I got my seeds from junglerain.

Tim

greenman 28
Then a stabilized hybrid would breed true like
an op variety if I understand what you are saying?

Thanks, Tim... ;-)

Tandrew, Bhut Jolokia is very stabilized. The seeds from which I grow have expressed the original phenotype each year. What often happens in the trade, however, is that Naga peppers are sold as "Ghost Peppers." This is what accounts for most of the confusion as to what the true Bhut Jolokia looks like. The remainder of the confusion, I believe, arises from the hybridization that occurs in gardens large and small and the subsequent trading of impure seed-stock.

Josh