Nasturtium

Nasturtium, the botanical name properly of the Water Cress (see GRESS), but also the popular designation of the Indian Cress (Tropæolum majus). The genus Tropæolum is the type of the small natural order Tropæolaceæ, and comprises some beautiful garden climbers, such as the widely cultivated Canary Creeper (T. aduncum), a native of Peru, and the more recently introduced T. speciosum, a native of Chili, which has established itself in many districts in the north of Scotland and in Wales, and garlands the walls and roofs of cottages in summer and autumn with its festoons of vivid green leaves and brilliant crimson flowers. The Indian Cress is also a native of Peru; the whole plant is characterised by a warm pungent taste and tonic stimulant, and antiscorbutic properties are ascribed to it. The flowers are employed as an ingredient in salads and for garnishing the same. The seeds when green are pickled in salt and vinegar and used as a substitute for capers. As an ornamental garden climber or creeper, the Indian Cress has been long known and admired by cottagers and others.