Definition

Noun: * Indian cress: A strong-growing annual climbing plant (Tropaeolum majus) known for its large, showy flowers ranging in color from orange-red to yellowish orange. Its seeds are often pickled and used as a substitute for capers.

Usage

• The term "Indian cress" is used specifically to refer to this ornamental and edible plant species. It is a common name, with "nasturtium" being a more frequently used synonym in gardening and culinary contexts.
• Example:

Advanced Usage

• The name "Indian cress" is somewhat historical. Despite "Indian" in its name, the plant is native to South America, not India. The name likely arose from an early, mistaken association or from the European habit of calling many new, exotic plants "Indian."
• In botanical or horticultural writing, the scientific name is used for precision.

Variants and Related Words

• Nasturtium: The most common synonym for "Indian cress," especially in everyday gardening language.
• Tropaeolum majus: The formal botanical (Latin) name for the species.

Synonyms

• Nasturtium
• Garden nasturtium

Notes on Different Meanings

• "Cress" on its own typically refers to various small, fast-growing edible plants like garden cress or watercress (genus or ). "Indian cress" is not closely related to these but shares a similar peppery flavor in its leaves and seeds. The shared name refers to this culinary characteristic, not botanical kinship.

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