woolflower

Woolflower, also known as Celosia, is a genus of about 45 species of herbaceous plants in the amaranth family, native to tropical America and Africa. These plants are cultivated for their dense, chaffy flower spikes that can glisten, leading to the common name "woolflower".1

One notable species is the cockscomb (Celosia cristata), a garden ornamental. Another species, Celosia argentea, known as Lagos spinach or silver cockscomb, is an important food crop in West Africa, valued for its nutritious leafy greens.1

Woolflowers are characterized by alternate, simple or lobed leaves and small, showy flowers arranged in dense spikes. The flower clusters of cultivated varieties can be flattened, undulating, or feathery. These plants often produce abundant seeds and can easily reseed themselves in favorable conditions.1