An easily-grown annual or short-lived perennial[4] with disc-shaped leaves and brilliant yellow, orange or red flowers, it is of cultivated, probably hybrid origin.

Once believed to be an electrical phenomenon, it is today thought to be an optical reaction in the human eye caused by the contrast between the orange flowers and the surrounding green.

Tropaeolum is the diminutive form of the Latin tropaeum, itself borrowed from Ancient Greek τρόπαιον : trópaion "trophy".

[17] Tropaeolum majus cultivars are widely grown as easy annual plants, and will grow in poor, damp soil in full sun.

[21] The flower has most often been consumed, making for an especially ornamental salad ingredient; it has a slightly peppery taste reminiscent of watercress, and is also used in stir fry.

[citation needed] The unripe seed pods can be harvested and dropped into spiced vinegar to become a condiment and garnish, sometimes used in place of capers.