Celosia argentea
Encyclopedia
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Description
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.
Cultivation
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.Varieties
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,
is a synonym for Celosia argentea. Often sold as C. plumosa 'Prince of Wales Feathers.
Seeds may be sold as mixtures.
Taxonomic issues
Horticultural usage may be very confusing. For instance Celosia cristataCelosia cristata
Celosia cristata [Celosia in Greek means burning] is a member of the genus Celosia, and is commonly known as cockscomb, since the flower looks like the head on a rooster . It is called Chi Kuan in China...
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
Food
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.The leaves and flowers are edible and are grown for such use in Africa and Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia
Southeast Asia, South-East Asia, South East Asia or Southeastern Asia is a subregion of Asia, consisting of the countries that are geographically south of China, east of India, west of New Guinea and north of Australia. The region lies on the intersection of geological plates, with heavy seismic...
.
Celosia argentea var. argentea or "Lagos spinach" is one of the main boiled greens
Boiled greens
Boiled greens are leaves cooked for food. They are part of many cuisines, and may be the leaves of common cultivated vegetables, such as spinach, fennel, mustard, or turnip, or the leaves of wild plants such as dandelion, wild radish, and purple amaranth....
in West Africa
West Africa
West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. Geopolitically, the UN definition of Western Africa includes the following 16 countries and an area of approximately 5 million square km:-Flags of West Africa:...
, where it is known as soko yòkòtò (Yoruba
Yoruba language
Yorùbá is a Niger–Congo language spoken in West Africa by approximately 20 million speakers. The native tongue of the Yoruba people, it is spoken, among other languages, in Nigeria, Benin, and Togo and in communities in other parts of Africa, Europe and the Americas...
) or farar áláyyafó (Hausa
Hausa language
Hausa is the Chadic language with the largest number of speakers, spoken as a first language by about 25 million people, and as a second language by about 18 million more, an approximate total of 43 million people...
)
Companion planting
Also used in Africa to help control growth of the parasitic StrigaStriga (plant)
Striga, commonly known as witches weed, is a genus of 28 species of parasitic plants that occur naturally in parts of Africa, Asia, and Australia. Witchweeds are characterized by bright-green stems and leaves and small, brightly colored flowers. Furthermore, they are obligate parasites of roots...
plant.