Celosia

Generic name for a small genus of ornamental plants in the family Amaranthaceae. There are several different species, with a wide variety in appearance, size and colour, yet they are divided into two main categories, i.e. the so-called Woolflowers (fig.) and Cockscombs (fig.), of which the latter species has flower heads crested with a fasciation that is reminiscent of a cockscomb. Celosia plants and flowers are edible and also have some medicinal properties. Though originally from Africa, they can be found in many parts of the world, including South, East and Southeast Asia. In Thai, the variety of woolflowers is known as soi kai (สร้อยไก่), whereas the latter is called ngon kai (หงอนไก่), meaning ‘chicken mane’ and ‘chicken comb’, respectively. There is also a species known as Thai cockscomb, commonly referred to as Ruby Parfait Celosia (fig.). 回