Tropaeolum majus

Other Names: Garden Nasturtium

Introduced From: South America

Family: Tropaeolaceae

Habitat: Unkempt gardens, wastelands, especially in older suburbs.

Uses: Flowers and young leaves edible raw or cooked, and taste like a cress, containing mustard oils.

References: Low (Weeds), Richardson and Shepherd

About Nasturtium

Tropaeolum majus, Nasturtium, was once a popular garden plant but is no longer considered fashionable.There is another plant, watercress, with genus Nasturtium, which looks completely different. This is confusing, since the plant (the one on this page) that is commonly called "nasturtium" has a botanical name of Tropaeolum, while another plant (commonly called watercress), has the botaincal name Nasturtium. Silly scientists.

The flowers can be bright orange (as shown here), or yellow, or red, sometimes with streaks.

Photo: Tropaeolum majus, Nasturtium. Watsons Bay NSW.

Photo: Tropaeolum majus, Nasturtium. Watsons Bay NSW.

Photo: Tropaeolum majus, Nasturtium. Watsons Bay NSW.

See Also

Australian Mammals
Australian Birds
Australian Reptiles
Australian Frogs
Australian Fish
Australian Spiders and Their Faces

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