Nasturtium officinale

Καρταμίλλα, Ναστούρτιο το φαρμακευτικό

Etymology of  Nasturtium officinale: The name "Nasturtium" comes from the Latin "nasus tortus", meaning "twisted nose", in reference to the effect on the nasal passages of eating the plants. "Officinale" is a Medieval Latin epithet denoting plants with uses in medicine, herbalism and cookery; it is translated as "used as a medicine".

There are seven Nasturtium species in the genus worldwide, of which one can be found in the habitat of Cyprus.

Nasturtium officinale is a rare plant in Cypriot nature. Although it exists in many locations around the island, up to an altitude of 1200 metres, it grows only near running water. Nasturtium officinale is a perennial growing to 0.5 m by 1 metre at a fast rate. Nasturtium officinale's flowering period is usually between March and May.