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NASTURTIUM
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Nasturtiums are more than 50 species of somewhat succulent, usually climbing herbs of the genus Tropaeolum in the nasturtium family, Tropaeolaceae. Native to highland regions from Mexico to southern South America, they have rounded leaves that are attached at their centers to long stalks. The large, showy flowers are commonly red, orange, or yellow; each has five petals and an outer whorl of five sepals, the uppermost of which is formed into a long, funnellike, nectar-bearing spur.
The leaves of the garden nasturtium, T. majus, are sometimes eaten in salads, and its flower buds and young nutlike fruits are sometimes used as seasoning or eaten pickled. Nasturtium is also the scientific name of the watercress.
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