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Celosia
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Celosia

Celosia Argentea

Basic Details
Description
Floral Formula
Features
Translations
Related

Basic Details

NameCelosia
DescriptionStriking ornamental annual with distinctive flower heads that come in two main forms: plumed varieties with soft, feathery plumes resembling Prince of Wales feathers, and crested varieties with dense, brain-like or rooster comb-shaped flower heads. Vibrant blooms in red, yellow, pink, purple, orange, and silver create dramatic displays that retain color when dried. Popular bedding and cut flower plant valued for its bold colors and long-lasting blooms.
FamilyAmaranthaceae
GenusAmaranthus
TribeAmarantheae

Floral Formula & Features

Floral FormulaBr ⊕ K5 C0 A5 G(2-3)

Bracts present, radially symmetrical, bisexual, 5 free sepals (often colored), no true petals (sepals provide color), 5 free stamens, 2-3 fused carpels with superior ovary

Features
  • Name 'Celosia' derives from Greek 'kelos' meaning burned, referring to the flame-like appearance of the flower heads. 'Amaranthus' comes from Greek 'amarantos' meaning unfading, as flowers retain color when dried
  • Two distinct flower forms: Plumosa group features soft, feathery plumes 6-12 inches tall; Cristata group displays dense, convoluted crests resembling brain coral or rooster combs. Both forms consist of hundreds of tiny flowers clustered together
  • Annual herbaceous plant, though some varieties can act as short-lived perennials in frost-free climates. Blooms from summer through first frost, with flowers lasting 8-10 weeks on the plant
  • Height ranges from 6 inches for dwarf varieties to 5 feet for tall plumed types. Lifespan of one growing season (4-6 months). Easily grown from seed, germinating in 7-14 days
  • Native to tropical regions of Africa, Asia, and the Americas, with origins traced to Mexico and Central America. Now cultivated worldwide as ornamental and food crop
  • Thrives in full sun with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight. Heat and drought tolerant once established. Prefers well-drained soil but adapts to various conditions. Performs poorly in cool, wet climates
  • Young leaves and seeds are edible and nutritious in some amaranth species. Excellent cut flower with vase life of 7-10 days. Dries beautifully for everlasting arrangements, retaining vibrant colors for months

Names in Different Languages

Latin / ScientificCelosia Argentea
English (Alternate)Plumed Celosia, Silver Cock's comb, Crested Celosia, Crested Cockscomb, Prince of Wales Feather, Prince's-Feather, Quelite, Bledo, and Quintonil,Pile Wort,Prince-of-Wales Feather.Prince's Feather,Prince's-feather
Hindiमुर्गशिखा (Murgashikha), लाल मुर्गा (Lal Murga), जटाधारी फूल (Jatadhari Phool), मखमली फूल (Makhmali Phool)
Tamilகோழிக்கொண்டை (Kozhikondai) and கோழிப்பூ (Kozhipoo),பண்ணைக்கீரை()Pannai keerai
Telugu ునుగు (Gunugu),కోడిజుట్టు (Kozhiduttu)
Malayalamകോഴിപ്പൂവ് (Kōḻippūv)
Kannadaಅಣ್ಣೆಸೊಪ್ಪು (Anne soppu), ಹಣ್ಣೆಸೊಪ್ಪು (Hanne soppu), ಕೋಲಾಣಿ ಸೊಪ್ಪು (Konnani Soppu)
Sanskritमयूरशिखा (Mayurshikha), मयुरचुडा (Mayurchuda)
Bengaliমোরগ ফুল (Morog Ful) or মোরগঝুটি ফুল (Morogjhuti Phul)
Frenchcelosie, Crête de coq
Russian целозия серебристая (tse-LO-zi-ya se-re-BRIST-a-ya),целозия серебристая гребенчатая (tse-LO-zi-ya se-re-BRIST-a-ya gre-ben-CHAT-a-ya)
SpanishCresta de gallo,Flor de terciopelo
GermanHahnenkamm, Federbusch

What is Floral Formula?

A floral formula is a symbolic representation of a flower's structure using letters, numbers, and special symbols. It provides a concise way to describe the arrangement and number of floral parts.

Example Formula
% K(6) C1+2+(2) A(9) G2

This formula describes the flower's symmetry, sepals, petals, stamens, and carpels in a standardized format.

Formula Sequence

  • Bract: Br or Ebr
  • Bracteole: Brl or Ebrl
  • Symmetry: % (Radial) or ⊕ (Bilateral)
  • Sex: ♀ (Female), ♂ (Male), or ⚥ (Bisexual)
  • Calyx/Sepal: K<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Corolla/Petal: C<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Androecium: A<number> (Free or Fused)
  • Gynaecium: G<number> (Superior or Inferior Ovary)

Symbol Meanings

  • Numbers: Indicate quantity of parts
  • Parentheses (): Parts are fused together
  • Plus (+): Parts in different whorls
  • Underline: Superior ovary position
  • Overline: Inferior ovary position
  • ∞: Numerous parts (too many to count)

Understanding floral formulas helps botanists quickly identify and classify flowers based on their structural characteristics.