Flamingo Feather (Celosia argentea var. cristata)

24/11/2013


Celosia argentea var. cristata (L.) Kuntze 1891, commonly known as Flamingo Feather, Lagos spinach, Wheatstraw Celosia, Cock’s-comb or Crista de Galo, is an annual herb from the Amaranth family (Amaranthaceae). The Flamingo Feather (Celosia argentea var. cristata) is native to the tropical and subtropical regions around the world. The beautiful tropical plant is widely distributed throughout the pantropics, but as far as we could find out, it´s not listed as an invasive species. In Africa and South East Asia the edible leaves are cherished as a spinach-like vegetable. Flowers are dried and used for exotic flower bouquets or floral decorations. The Flamingo Feather can reach heights of about two meters and is known as an easy-to-care, quite drought tolerant plant.



Celosia plants are not just cultivated as ornamental plants, they´re also planted and used as natural medicine and food. The beautiful flowerheads may last up to about 2 month. Flowering period: May - October. Remove dead flowers to induce further growth. Celosia plants (Cockscombs) require warm - hot temperatures, a location in full sun and shouldn´t be overwatered.

Flamingo Feather (Celosia argentea  var. cristata )
Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Flamingo Feather (Celosia argentea var. cristata)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee


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