The word "Tropaeolaceae" refers to a family of plants that are commonly known as nasturtiums. Synonyms for this family include Tropaeolum, which is the genus of the family, and Indian cress, since the plants are native to South America and were brought to Europe by the Spanish as a substitute for black pepper. Other common names for these plants include flame flower, flame nasturtium, and garden nasturtium. The family includes over 90 species of annual and perennial herbaceous plants, many of which are known for their bright and showy flowers. They are often grown as ornamental plants and used in salads and other culinary dishes.