Celosia argentea

''Celosia argentea'', commonly known as the plumed cockscomb or silver cock's comb, is a herbaceous plant of tropical origin in the Amaranthaceae family from India and Nepal. The plant is known for its very bright colors. In India and China it is known as a troublesome weed.

Description

''Celosia argentea'' is a tender annual that is often grown in gardens, it can also grow perennially. It blooms in mid-spring to summer. The plant exhibits dodecaploidy.

The flowers are tiny and hermaphrodite, they are packed in narrow, pyramidal, plume-like heads long with vivid colors including shades of orange, red, purple, yellow and cream.

It is propagated by black seeds. The seeds come in capsules; they are extremely small, up to 43,000 seeds per ounce.

Cultivation

As these plants are of tropical origin, they grow best in full sunlight and should be placed in a well-drained area. Full sunlight means they should get at least 8 hours of direct sunlight. For healthy growth plant them in the area where they get early morning sunlight and afternoon shade. In the afternoon the sunlight are mostly harsh especially in hot summer. Afternoon shade will save the plant from excessive heat. The flowerheads can last up to 8 weeks, and further growth can be promoted by removing dead flowers.

Cultivars

''Celosia argentea'' var. ''cristata'' 'Flamingo Feathers' is a cultivar that can grow up to 2 feet in height. The colors are predominantly pink to light violet, and the leaves are a darker green than other cultivars. 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.
''Celosia plumosa'', also known as Prince of Wales feathers, is a synonym for ''Celosia argentea''. Seeds may be sold as mixtures.

The following strains have gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit (confirmed 2017):
*''C. argentea'' var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Smart Look Red'
*''C. argentea'' var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Fresh Look Orange' (Fresh Look Group)
*''C. argentea'' var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Glow Red'
*''C. argentea'' var. cristata (Plumosa Group) 'Century Rose' (Century Group)
*''C. argentea'' var. cristata (Spicata Group) 'Flamingo Feather'

Uses

It is used in Africa to help control growth of the parasitic '' Striga'' plant. It can also be used in soaps.

Food

The leaves and flowers are edible and are grown for such use particularly in west Africa and Southeast Asia. ''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).Hanelt ''et al.'', ''Mansfeld's encyclopedia of agricultural and horticultural crops'', 200
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Images

File:Celosia argentea (Silver cockscomb) W IMG_0985.jpg, Silver cockscomb ''Celosia argentea''
File:青葙 20190422202856.jpg, Celosia argentea. 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition, Taiwan.
File:Celosia.JPG, '' Celosia cristata''
File:Plumed cockscomb (Celosia argentea).JPG, Plumed cockscomb flower and an insect on it.
Image:Silver cockscomb (Celosia argentea) in Hyderabad, AP W IMG 7949.jpg, Around the fields in Hyderabad, India
File:青葙 20190422202754.jpg, Celosia argentea. 2018 Taichung World Flora Exposition, Taiwan.
File:JardimBotanicoCuritiba.04.2008.JPG, Colored varieties used as ornamental plant in the Botanical Garden of Curitiba, Southern Brazil

See also

* Celosia cristata

References

External links

General Information
on NC State University Plant Fact Sheets

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argentea
Leaf vegetables
Plants described in 1753
Taxa named by Carl Linnaeus