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.
2. (Bot.) Any plant of the genus
Tropæolum, geraniaceous herbs, having mostly climbing
stems, peltate leaves, and spurred flowers, and including the common
Indian cress (Tropæolum majus), the canary-bird flower
(T. 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.
