Tropaeolum majus

Nasturtium Nas*tur"tium, n. [L. nasturtium, for nasitortium, fr. nasus nose + torquere, tortum, to twist, torture, in allusion to the causing one to make a wry face by its pungent taste. See {Nose} of the face, and {Torture}.] 1. (Bot.) A genus of cruciferous plants, having white or yellowish flowers, including several species of cress. They are found chiefly in wet or damp grounds, and have a pungent biting taste. [1913 Webster]

2. (Bot.) Any plant of the genus {Trop[ae]olum}, geraniaceous herbs, having mostly climbing stems, peltate leaves, and spurred flowers, and including the common Indian cress ({Trop[ae]olum majus}), the canary-bird flower ({Trop[ae]olum peregrinum}), and about thirty more species, all natives of South America. The whole plant has a warm pungent flavor, and the fleshy fruits are used as a substitute for capers, while the leaves and flowers are sometimes used in salads. [1913 Webster]