Tropaeolum

Tropaeolum, known as nasturtium, literally means "nose-twister". The plants have showy, often intensely bright flowers, and rounded, shield-shaped leaves with the petiole in the center. The flowers are bisexual, with five petals, a superior three-carpelled ovary, and a funnel-shaped nectar spur at the back.

All parts of the plant are edible. The flower is most often been consumed, making for an especially ornamental salad ingredient; it has a slightly peppery taste reminiscent of watercress. The unripe seed pods can be harvested and dropped into spiced vinegar to produce a condiment and garnish, sometimes used in place of capers. The flowers contain vitamin C and lutein. In Germany, licensed physicians are allowed to prescribe a herbal antibiotic made from only nasturtium and horseradish root.