Interesting facts

The name Nasturtium indicum or Indian Cress comes from nasturcium which was the ancient Latin name for a particular kind of cress. The word cress, on the other hand, is derived from the Latin crescere - to grow, referring to the rapid growth of the plant. The French, German and Spanish names of nasturtium all derive from the Italian cappucio "hood; especially a monk's cowl"; the name was given because of the resemblance of the spurred flowers to the cowl of a Capuchin monk. The Latin name Tropaeolum is derived from the Latin tropaeum which means the trunk of a tree hung with battle spoils (such as weapons and armor) and is also the origin of the word trophy. If we see the leaves as shields and the flowers as helmets the origin of this name becomes clear.

The nasturtium was not introduced to Europe until 1684. For a long time it was used only as an ornamental plant, later in spring salads for blood cleansing. Incidentally, the unripe buds and seeds can also be preserved in vinegar and used as a substitute for capers.

In its native countries the nasturtium is pollinated by humming birds which dip their beaks deep into the spur in order to reach the sweet and slightly pungent nectar.