Celosia is a genus of plant that contains a small number of different species. All plants contained within the genus are edible and attractive to look at, which makes them popular in gardens around the world. The plants are also used for medicinal purposes in certain types of alternative treatments. According to some botanists, the plants are separated into two categories: those with bright flowers and those without. Some common names for the genus include woolflowers and cockscombs.
Plants of the Celosia genus grow in a number of places around the world. Some of the places where the plants are most common include Africa, South America and regions of Asia. Generally, the plants need tropical conditions in order to grow effectively. The plants also usually grow best during wet weather, which gives them an advantage over other plants during wet seasons.
Celosia are annual plants. This means that they flower once and die within the course of a season. As the plants can release hundreds of seeds, they are still able to spread effectively.
There is some variation in the appearance of the plants, especially between the two groups. Most, however, will grow to a maximum of 10 feet (approximately 3 meters) in height. Some are much smaller than this, only reaching around 3 feet (1 meter). This is partly due to the species, but also the growing conditions in the environment.
One of the distinguishing features of Celosia plants is that the species are edible, yet easy to grow. For this reason, it is thought that the plants may be consumed in greater quantities in the future. The plant is already eaten regularly in some countries, including India.
There are a number of uses for Celosia in alternative medicine as well. For example, the plants are often used to treat tapeworm, along with other types of parasites. It is also not unheard of for the plant to be used to treat problems with the eye as well. Whether or not the plant has any effect for these conditions is yet to be proven.
Due to the plant’s attractive color and form, certain species are regularly used in gardens across the world. Celosia plants are particularly popular in China. Some examples of species used in gardens include the Celosia cristata and Celosia virgata. Species that are part of the brightly colored group are used more often in gardens, although the second group are still regularly used.
