| Celosia argentea | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Core eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Amaranthaceae |
| Genus: | Celosia |
| Species: | C. argentea |
| Binomial name | |
| Celosia argentea |
|
Celosia argentea, commonly known as plumed cockscomb, is a plant of tropical origin, and is known for its very bright colors.
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Celosia argentea (Syn. C. plumosa, C. argentea. var plumosa) is a tender annual that is often grown in gardens. It is propagated by seeds. The seeds are extremely small, up to 43,000 seeds per ounce.
The Century cultivars are usually taller (1–2 feet), and are bright red, yellow, orange, or pink. The Kimono cultivars are generally smaller (4 inches - 1 foot), and have more muted colors, though similar to the Century cultivars. Other colors, such as white, burgundy, orange-red, etc., can be found. Certain varieties will grow to 3–4 feet in height.
These plants are of tropical origin, they grow best in full sunlight. The flowerheads can last up to 8 weeks, and further growth can be promoted by removing dead flowers.
Celosia cristata, also known as Flamingo Feathers is a specific annual that can grow up to 2 feet in height. The colors are predominantly pink to light violet, and the leaves are a darker green, when compared to C. argentea. May be sold as C. cristata 'Flamingo Feathers'.
Celosia plumosa, also known as Prince of Wales Feathers, [1] is a synonym for Celosia argentea. Often sold as C. plumosa 'Prince of Wales Feathers'.
Seeds may be sold as mixtures.
Horticultural usage may be very confusing. For instance Celosia cristata may be listed as a separate species, or a variant of C. argentea. Other names for C. argentea plumosa include Celosia argenta pyrimidalis, C. argentea cristata, and C. spicata
Other classification consider there are three variants;
C. a. var. argentea
C. a. var. cristata
C. a. var. plumosa Voss
A traditional food plant in Africa, this little-known vegetable has potential to improve nutrition, boost food security, foster rural development and support sustainable landcare.[2]
The leaves and flowers are edible and are grown for such use in Africa and Southeast Asia.[3]
Celosia argentea var. argentea or "Lagos spinach" is one of the main boiled greens in West Africa, where it is known as soko yòkòtò (Yoruba) or farar áláyyafó (Hausa)[4][5]
Also used in Africa to help control growth of the parasitic Striga plant.
Media related to [//commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/Category:Celosia_argentea Celosia argentea] at Wikimedia Commons