Nasturtium, Indian cress
Tropaeolum majus
Family: Tropaeolaceae
What it is like
A creeping climbing annual herb. It grows to 60-300 cm high and can spread to several m wide with long branches. The leaves are small and round. They are light green. Leaves are 2.5-6 cm across. The edges of the leaves are wavy. The veins radiate out from the centre. It has trumpet like flowers. The flowers are orange and yellow and have a pointy piece at the back of the flower. Several ornamental varieties have been bred by hybridisation.
There are 80 to 90 Tropaeolum species. It has anticancer properties.
Where it is found
It is a subtropical plant. It prefers a sunny position. It is mainly seen between 600 and 1800 m altitude in Papua New Guinea. It is damaged by frost. It can tolerate drought. They need a temperature above 3°C. In Argentina it grows below 800 m above sea level. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. In Sichuan and Yunnan.
Countries/locations it is found in
Africa, Andes, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Balkans, Bolivia, Brazil (country/location of origin), Britain, Canada, Central America, Chile (country/location of origin), China, Colombia, Congo DR, Croatia, Cuba, Dominican Republic, East Africa, Easter Island, Ecuador, Egypt, Ethiopia, Europe, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Haiti, Hawaii, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Kenya, Korea, Macedonia, Mauritius, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Mozambique, Myanmar, New Zealand, Lord Howe Island, Niue, North Africa, North America, Norway, Pacific, Papua New Guinea, Peru (country/location of origin), Puerto Rico, Reunion, Scandinavia, SE Asia, Senegal, Slovenia, South Africa, Southern Africa, South America, Spain, St Helena, Switzerland, Tanzania, Tasmania, Tibet, Turkey, Türkiye, Uruguay, USA, West Africa, West Indies, Zimbabwe
How it is used for food
The leaves, flower petals and seeds are all edible and have a hot peppery taste. The leaves and flowers are eaten raw. They are used in salads, sandwiches, vegetable dishes and are stuffed like grape leaves. The flowers can be added to vinegars. The flower buds and young fruit are used as a substitute for capers in sauce. The mature seeds can be eaten roasted. They can be used as a pepper substitute.
It is a commercially cultivated vegetable.
Edible parts
Leaves, seeds, herb, flowers, spice, vegetable, fruit
How it is grown
Plants are grown from seed. Plants reseed easily. Seed should be soaked overnight before sowing. Seed are sown 6-12 mm deep. Plants should be spaced 15-30 cm apart.
Its other names
Local names
Blomkarse, Capuchina, Capuchinho, Caputxina, Chagas, Climbing nasturtium, Dragusac, Dryland golden lotus flower, Espuela de galan, Garden nasturtium, Han Ijubidrag, Jinlianhua, Ljubidrag, Mallau, Maranuela, Mastranzo de Indias, Mastuerzo, Taco de novia, Taco de reina, Tall Nasturtium, Taung-kya-gale, Tropeoleo, Velika kapucinka