Definition

Noun: * A flowering plant species: Tropaeolum majus is the scientific name for a strong-growing, annual, climbing plant. It is commonly known as the garden nasturtium. It is characterized by its large, showy flowers, which range in color from orange-red to yellowish orange, and its distinctive rounded leaves. The seeds of this plant are sometimes pickled and used as a substitute for capers.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The vibrant border was filled with Tropaeolum majus, their orange flowers glowing in the sun.
  • Botanists study Tropaeolum majus for its unique climbing habit and floral structure.
  • She planted Tropaeolum majus not only for its beauty but also to harvest the seeds for pickling.

Advanced Usage

• In Horticulture and Botany: The name is used in formal, scientific, or gardening contexts to specify this particular species within the genus, distinguishing it from other types of nasturtiums.
  • The study compared the growth rates of Tropaeolum majus with its relative, Tropaeolum peregrinum.

Variants and Related Words

• Nasturtium (common name): The widely used common name for .
  • Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus) are easy to grow from seed.
• Indian cress (archaic common name): An older name sometimes used for this plant.
• Tropaeolum (noun): The genus to which this species belongs.
  • The genus Tropaeolum includes both climbing and bushy species.

Synonyms

• Garden nasturtium: The most frequent common name synonym.
• Nasturtium: A general synonym, though it can sometimes colloquially refer to plants in the unrelated genus (e.g., watercress).

Related Phrases and Idioms

• (To) use like capers: This phrase is directly associated with a use for the seeds of .
  • The pickled seeds of Tropaeolum majus can be used like capers in salads and sauces.

Noun

1. strong-growing annual climber having large flowers of all shades of orange from orange-red to yellowish orange and seeds that are pickled and used like capers