“Eat food. Not too much. Mostly plants.” Michael Pollan
Carl Linnaeus, Swedish botanist, physician, zoologist, and all-around remarkable genius, was famous for naming every plant he met in Latin. In his book, Species Plantarum, he bestowed the name “tropaeolum” on one of my favourite flowers, the nasturtium.
I have yet to gain a full understanding of the classification of plants that has a specific jargon that includes words such as species, genera, binomial. So I will continue using the common name of nasturtium – meaning “nose-twister” or “nose-tweaker in Latin, which came because these plants produce an oil similar to that of watercress.
Carl Linnaeus would be quite surprised how people have taken his designation, “Tropaeolum” and created names such as Apricot Twist, Empress of India, Jewel of Africa, Moonlight, Peach Melba, Day & Night, Salmon Baby, Strawberries & Cream and the list goes on…
Nasturtiums are extraordinary. This is the time of year when Vancouver urban gardens are resplendent with this vibrant, edible plant. Yes, edible with vitamin C and lutein in every flower! So enjoy them in salads and stir fries. Even the unripe seeds pods can be harvested and used in spiced vinegar.
They are a combination of beauty and strength, given their herbal medicinal qualities: antiseptic and expectorant. It seems nasturtiums bring relief to those with chest colds and encourage our bodies to formulate new blood cells.
I have designated today to be “Tropaeolum Day.”
So let’s celebrate!!!
Taking the Kitchen 
I enjoyed this post again today. I wonder if I can find a plant around somewhere to experiment. I wonder what they taste like. Marilyn had some beauties just outside their front door! This is a very educational post–thank you.
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So glad that you liked the post! I have some photos from Marilyn’s beautiful garden!
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I love your celebration of nasturtiums. All of mine have succumbed to severe frost but even in death they are bountiful; they return richness to the soil. Happy Canada Day.
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I admire plants. They give us so much and ask very little in return except to create a place for them to grow. I love that line from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s “The Secret Garden” – However many years she lived, Mary always felt that she should never forget the first morning when her garden began to grow.” I have decided that this year, I will designate days of celebration. Let me know if you have any ideas!! Hugs and love coming your way.
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What a lovely idea.
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Fascinating – and I have always loved that Michael Pollen quote. Wise simplicity. Have you read Andrea Wulf’s ‘The invention of nature’? It’s a cracking read about the relatively unknown Alexander von Humboldt & I am sure you would enjoy it. 🙂
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You have the best suggestions, Liz!! I have downloaded Andrea Wulf’s “The Invention of Nature.” on my Kindle and can hardly wait to start reading. Friendships and books are the best combination, especially when you add a cuppa tea. Many hugs and thanks coming your way!
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So pleased you like the sound of the book – reading is always even more perfect with a delicious cuppa 😀📚☕️
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Absolutely educational, enjoyable and a fun read. Thank you, I learned a lot, as well. I have always liked this plant, but did not know all this about it. I wonder if it would be a cure for Don’s and my sneezes! Thank you, this was an outstanding post (as usual)
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Now that is a great idea – I will check that out!!! Nasturtiums have a prestigious and laudable history , but it is their generosity of spirit that captures our imagination.
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HAPPY “Tropaeolum Day.”!!!!!
I love eating nasturtiums, and I love this post! Happy Canada Day! 🇨🇦 xx
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Thank you, Resa, for joining the celebration. We belong to a world that provides so many wonderful gifts of health, nourishment and beauty. Isn’t is remarkable that a flower can be so beautiful and so beneficial. Happy Canada Day – another reason to rejoice and celebrate. Hugs coming your way.
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