Indian cress or monks cress, Tropaeolum majus (garden nasturtium ) is a flowering plant originating in the Andes from Bolivia north to Colombia.

It is a herbaceous plant with trailing stems growing in length to 1 metre or more. The leaves are large, nearly circular, 3 to 15 centimetres diameter, green to glaucous green above and paler green below.

The flowers are 2.5–6 cm diameter, with five petals, eight stamens, and a 2.5–3 cm long nectar spur at the rear; they vary from yellow to orange to red, frilled and often darker at the base of the petals.

The fruit is 2 cm broad and three-segmented. Each segment has a single large seed 1–1.5 cm long. It is widely cultivated, both as an ornamental plant and a medicinal plant.

Garden nasturtiums are grown for their flowers. Both their leaves and flowers are edible. They can be used in salads, imparting a delicate peppery taste. The seeds are also edible and can be used to substitute for caper.

It is listed as an invasive plant in several areas, including Hawaii, Lord Howe island and New Zealand.

Nasturtiums are also considered widely useful companion plants. They repel a great many pests beetles, bugs and caterpillars.

They have a similar range of benefits for broccoli and cauliflower. They serve as a a trap crop against black fly aphids. They also attract beneficial predatory insects.