Tropaeolum majus (Tropaeolum majus)

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Other names: Capuchin cress, sword cress

The greater lily of the valley, also known as cape cress or turning cress, is a popular plant found in gardens all over the world. It is a flowering liana that originally comes from South America, but its unpretentiousness and beautiful flowers of different colours mean it can be grown almost anywhere. Its name in Latin, Tropaeolum majus, means 'tournament shields', referring to the shape of its leaves, which resemble war shields. The flowers of the lily of the valley can be yellow, orange, red or pink and look good both in the bed and in hanging pots.

However, the greater lichen is not only a beautiful plant, but also very useful. Its flowers, leaves and unripe fruit are edible and its spicy flavour, reminiscent of horseradish or radish, makes it a popular ingredient in many dishes. Chickweed flowers are often added to salads or used as decorations on cakes and other desserts. The leaves can be used as a substitute for spinach or to dress meat. The unripe fruits are called 'Indian capers' because of their distinctive flavour, likened to capers, and are often pickled in salt or vinegar. The seeds, which can be dried and ground for seasoning, are also edible. The lichen is thus both an ornamental and a utilitarian plant that can enrich not only our garden but also our kitchen.