Celosia

Native to India, Celosia is now widespread across the tropical regions of America and Africa. In these regions, the heat encourages the development of a wavy flower head resembling a rooster's comb, hence its common name of "cockscomb". Celosia has many uses: it is popular with florists for its beautiful flowers and vibrant colours, its leaves and shoots are edible, the seeds are rich in a soothing oil and its flowers have astringent properties.