Here's what we know:
* Ancient origins: Watercress has been eaten for thousands of years, with evidence suggesting its consumption in ancient Greece, Rome, and China.
* Natural habitat: It grows naturally in cool, clear streams and springs across Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
* Cultivation: While it grows wild, humans have been cultivating watercress for centuries. The Romans are known to have cultivated it, and it's been a staple food in many cultures.
So, rather than a single "discovery," watercress has a long history of use as a food source across different cultures.