Tropaeolum majus orange flower with dark red veins across the upper petals and fine fringes around the yellow throat

Tropaeolum majus

This annual herb is of cultivated origin from Peru. Widely cultivated as an ornamental, it has become naturalized in disturbed areas of Australia. Cultivars range from compact, bushy plants to trailing or climbing forms whose long leaf stalks twine around supports. Rounded, shield-shaped leaves have stalks attached near the center and veins radiating toward the margins. The spurred flowers may be yellow, orange, red, pink, or cream; single flowers have five petals, while some cultivars produce double blooms.

The leaves, flowers, buds, and seeds are edible and have a peppery flavor. Flowers and young leaves are used in salads and as garnishes. Photographed in Colombia.

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A yellow Tropaeolum majus flower with small brown lines in the center under sunlight

Creamy pale yellow Tropaeolum majus flower with reddish veins extending from the center, resting against smooth round leaves

Pair of salmon-orange Tropaeolum majus flowers growing side by side, each with distinct veining and bright yellow centers

Tropaeolum majus two pale yellow flowers with red blotches and dark throat veins among round green leaves

Tropaeolum majus three orange flowers with yellow throats among round green leaves with white streaks

Orange Tropaeolum majus flower with radiating red streaks and visible reproductive structures at the center, illuminated by sunlight

A single bright orange Tropaeolum majus flower in bloom, with deep red markings in the throat and rounded petals

Pale yellow Tropaeolum majus bloom with faint pinkish veins and exposed stamens, framed by overlapping round green leaves

Scarlet Tropaeolum majus flower with a yellow throat

Tropaeolum majus yellow flower with a red center

A close-up of a vivid yellow Tropaeolum majus flower showing red veins near the center and surrounded by lush green foliage

Tropaeolum majus orange flower with a red center

Vivid yellow Tropaeolum majus flower with crinkled petals and small central filaments, growing among lush green leaves

Tropaeolum majus orange flower with dark red veins across the upper petals and fringes around the yellow throat

Bright red Tropaeolum majus flower with rounded petals and subtle dark markings at the floral throat, set against large circular green leaves

Yellow Tropaeolum majus flower featuring deep maroon blotches and fine veining near the center, surrounded by vibrant green foliage

Three Tropaeolum majus flowers with orange petals and yellow centers growing among round green leaves and dry ground cover

Tropaeolum majus yellow-orange flowers with red blotches and dark throat veins among round green leaves