- Celosia argentea
Taxobox
name = "Celosia argentea"
image_width = 250px
regnum =Plant ae
divisio = Magnoliophyta
classis =Magnoliopsida
ordo =Caryophyllales
familia =Amaranthaceae
genus = "Celosia "
species = "C. argentea"
binomial = "Celosia argentea"
binomial_authority ="Celosia argentea", commonly known as plumed cockscomb, is a plant of tropical origin, and is known for its very bright colors.
Description
"Celosia argentea" 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
Since 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.
Use
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. [cite book |authorlink= |author=National Research Council |editor= |others= |title=Lost Crops of Africa: Volume II: Vegetables |origdate= |url=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11763 |format= |accessdate=2008-07-15 |edition= |series=Lost Crops of Africa |volume=2 |date=2006-10-27 |publisher=National Academies Press |location= |isbn=978-0-309-10333-6 |oclc= |doi= |id= |pages= |chapter=Celosia |chapterurl=http://books.nap.edu/openbook.php?record_id=11763&page=93 |quote= |ref= ]
The leaves and flowers are edible and are grown for such use in Africa and Southeast Asia. Grubben, G.J.H. & Denton, O.A. (2004) Plant Resources of Tropical Africa 2. Vegetables. PROTA Foundation, Wageningen; Backhuys, Leiden; CTA, Wageningen.]
Gallery
References
External links
* [http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/consumer/factsheets/annuals/plumedcelosia.html General Information]
* [http://database.prota.org/dbtw-wpd/exec/dbtwpub.dll?AC=QBE_QUERY&BU=http%3A%2F%2Fdatabase.prota.org%2Fsearch.htm&TN=PROTAB~1&QB0=AND&QF0=Species+Code&QI0=Celosia+argentea&RF=Webdisplay PROTAbase on "Celosia argentea"]
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