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Celosia argentea
| Family Name: | Amaranthaceae |
| Synonyms: | |
| Common Name: | Red Fox, Feather Cockscomb, Red Spinach, Plumed Cockscomb, Feathery Amaranth, Woolflower, Wild Cockscomb, 鸡冠花 |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Annual |
| Plant Shape | Shrubby |
| Maximum Height | 0.2 m |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Tropical Africa |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Foliage | Leaves are elliptic to lanceolate with a smooth to wavy leaf margin. |
|---|---|
| Flowers | The feathery, reddish purple inflorescence is composed of many, tiny flowers. |
| Habitat | In Nepal, it occurs in open locations with moist soil at altitudes of 0 - 1600 m. |
| Cultivation | This species should be planted in fertile, well-drained soil supplemented with compost. Individuals should be spaced about 0.3 m apart. Propagate by seeds. |
| Ethnobotanical Uses | Edible Plant Parts : Edible Leaves, Edible Flowers Food (Fruit & Vegetable): The edible flowers and leaves are consumed in some parts of Africa and Southeast Asia.' |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Foliage, Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Coastal, General, Parks & Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Well-Drained Soils, Heavy Clay Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed |
Foliar
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
|---|---|
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oval) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Foliar Base | Acute |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, Red, Silver / Grey |
|---|---|
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Inflorescence Type | Spike |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Capsule |
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Black |
|---|
| Mature Seed Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Few (1-5) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 498 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1794 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
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