9 2 Gera niacecz Troptzo htm . 



blue. Sepals 5, the upper one produced downwards into a free 

 spur. Petals unequal, 5, or by abortion fewer, often fringed 

 or bearded at the base. Stamens 8, free, all antheriferous. 

 Fruit of usually three fleshy indehiscent 1 -seeded carpels ; 

 seeds exalbuminous. About thirty-five species are known, all 

 inhabiting South America. The name is said to be derived 

 from TpoTraLoV) a trophy. The tubers of some species are used 

 as an article of diet in Peru. 



Annual Species. 



1. T. aduncum, syn. T. peregrlnum. This is commonly 

 known as the Canary Creeper, and sometimes named T. 

 Canariense ; but it is a native of America only. It is very 

 distinct, and readily distinguished by its slender stems, 3- to 5- 

 lobed leaves, and bright canary-yellow flowers with narrow petals. 



2. T. majus (fig. 60). Taller Nasturtium or Indian Cress. 

 This is the common tall-growing kind, the carpels of which are 



Fig. 60. Tropaeolum majus. (J nat. size.) 



used as a substitute for capers. In the typical plant the flowers 

 are yellow, but there are crimson, scarlet, orange, and striped 

 single varieties, and also double-flowered forms, in cultivation. 

 3. T. minus. Smaller Nasturtium. Similar to the last, 

 of dwarfer growth, with smaller flowers of a more reddish- 

 orange colour. The varieties of this are very numerous and 

 beautiful. The carpels of this are said to be superior for 

 pickling to those of the preceding species. 



