Any plant of the genus Tropaeolum, geraniaceous herbs,
   having mostly climbing stems, peltate leaves, and spurred flowers, and
   including the common Indian cress (Tropaeolum majus), the canary-bird
   flower (T. peregrinum), and about thirty more species, all natives of
   South America. The whole plant has a warm pungent flavor, and the
   fleshy fruits are used as a substitute for capers, while the leaves and
   flowers are sometimes used in salads.