Tropaeolum majus

Indian Cress, Nasturtium

Spiritual Message by the Mother/ Quotes by Sri Aurobindo

There is another aspect of the divine grace, the aspect of progress which will be victorious over all obstacles, the aspect which will propel humanity to a new realisation, which will open the doors of a new world and make it possible not only for a chosen few to benefit by the divine realisation but for their influence, their example, their power to bring to the rest of mankind new and better conditions.

This opens up roads of realisation into the future, possibilities which are already foreseen, when an entire part of humanity, the one which has opened consciously or unconsciously to the new forces, is lifted up, as it were, into a higher, more harmonious, more perfect life…

The Mother, Questions and Answers 1957 - 1958: 19 March 1958

Varieties

Message of the Flower

Promise of Realisation

The Mother’s Comment

The best encouragement.

Colour

White, and shades of yellow, salmon pink, orange, and red

Message of the Flower

Promise of Realisation in Matter

The Mother’s Comment

The best encouragement for doing what is necessary.

Colour

Dark red to maroon

Message of the Flower

Promise of Realisation in the Mind

The Mother’s Comment

The mind must be silent to allow the Supramental consciousness to take its place.

Colour

Yellow

Message of the Flower

Promise of Realisation in the Physical Mind

The Mother’s Comment

A good encouragement for the necessary effort.

Colour

Light yellow, red

Message of the Flower

Promise of Realisation in the Physical

The Mother’s Comment

Courage to face the long labour.

Colour

Bicoloured, yellow and maroon

Family

Tropaeolaceae

Cultivars

Empress of India', 'Alaska', 'Jewel Mix', among others

Person who named the flower

Carl Linnaeus

Flower Size

2.5-6 cm across

Flower Texture

Soft and delicate

Number of Petals

five

Floral Symmetry

Bilaterally symmetrical

Fragrance of Flower

Mildly fragrant

Leaf Texture

Smooth with a waxy coating

Leaf Arrangement

Alternate

Leaf Color

Green, some cultivars with variegated leaves

Structural Variation (Shrub or Tree)

Herbaceous annual vine

Life Cycle

Annual

Blooming Period

Late spring through fall

Climate

Prefers temperate climates but can adapt to various conditions

Water Requirements

Moderate, drought-tolerant

Soil Type

Well-drained, poor to average fertility

Temperature Ranges

Frost-sensitive

Sun or Shade

Full sun to partial shade

Susceptibility to Insects and Diseases

Aphids, caterpillars; fungal diseases in wet conditions

Pollinators

Bees, butterflies

Habitat

Native to South and Central America; widely cultivated

Role in the Ecosystem

Attracts pollinators, repels certain pests

Ornamental

Widely used in gardens for its vibrant flowers and edible parts

Uses in Other Aspects of Life

Edible flowers add aesthetic and flavor to dishes

Endangered Status

Not endangered