On the issue of longevity, I've had a red manzano going for about 9 years now, but I think it's on it's last legs now. Luckily I'm coming into the growing season so the new ones should be poking their little leaves up in the next month or so. At its peak I could pick friut off it for near all the year and would get about 20 litres (4 gallons of fruit) off it a year. Reached about 3 meters (10 ft) height when at it's prime (about 2 years ago) on a trellis on a wall. The fact that they can take a frost without too much damage and don't seem to get aphids like the others (hairy leaves help?) make them simple to grow. I'm also growing the orange variety which is pretty good and tried the yellow one which wasn't as hardy or tasty. Still my favourite pod by far. Pickled, smoked or just in a curry - teriffic. Cheers from the south of Oz Dale at 42 south