Native of central America in rare shower (3,6)

I believe the answer is:

red pepper

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But I can't explain it at all! Could you help me understand?

(Other definitions for red pepper that I've seen before include "A hot mouthful" , "Variety of capsicum" , "pimiento" , "Slightly pungent coloured plant" , "Plant with hot, pungent fruit" .)

I've seen this clue in The Guardian.

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