It comes from the Latin "Nasus Tortus" meaning convulsed nose, referring to the faces people made when tasting the spicy plant.
The leaves have a peppery flavor and can be used in salads, and teas. The flower petals adds a lovely color and peppery flavor to salads. The leaves are also used in infusions to fight infections of the lung and to treat urinary tract infections, influenza, and skin eruptions and tuberculosis, according the web. Other uses: effective hair tonic, stimulate the appetite and are rich in vitamin C. The seeds are high in iron and phosphorus.
Wonderful focus to be seen so clearly on the Black. I also thought that the flower had a face of its own. Hubby always picks the flower and the leaves -he must be healthy. Maybe I should try - its really rather bitter! fav
Ian