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CLUBS & GROUPS | FOUR SEASONS BREEZE | SEPTEMBER 2014 37 It is Christmas in July at Four Seasons. Like a string of holiday lights feathery crimson and tangerine blossoms encircle our Lodge planter like a fairy ring. These tapered spires are Celosia, a Greek word meaning "burning" like a candle flame. There are about 60 species of Celosia, some have tall spiky flowers, some dense feathery plumes, and even others have bizarre coral-like blooms in vibrant colors. Foliage of most types is green, some are burgundy or bronze. Celosia is also known as feathery amaranth and is native to the tropics. Plants are drought tolerant; require little fertilizer but lots of sun. Tall varieties may need to be staked in windy sites (Beaumont). Some of the most popular varieties are crested, spiked and plumed. Crested Celosia is often called cock's comb and is unique as their crested flowers look like tight coils of a cockerel or rooster' comb. A few varieties of crested Celosias are 'Jewelbox,' 'Chief,' and 'Sparkler' species, that come in a large range of colors. For most species, you can find crested Celosia in red, yellow, orange, white, pink, and purple. The plumed variety produces silky clusters of brightly colored flowers that sit on top of 24-inch stalks. Cristata species commonly referred to as 'flamingo feathers," produce flowers that range between pink and purple. Spiky Celosia is the final category. It is similar to the plumed variety with stiffer flowers that form a large pointed mass. A Kimono variety is sold locally and grows to 5 to 6" in height. The spiky Celosias typically don't grow as tall as the other varieties with a modest 12 to 16 inch height average. This variety comes in yellow, red, dark red, pink, purple, and blue. The plant is an annual. Seed production in these species can be very high, 200–700 kilograms per hectare. One ounce of seed may contain up to 43,000 seeds. One thousand seeds can weigh 1.0-1.2 grams. Depending upon the location and fertility of the soil, blossoms can last 8–10 weeks. It grows widespread across Mexico, where it is known as "velvet flower," northern South America, tropical Africa, the West Indies, South, East and Southeast Asia where it is grown as a native or naturalized wildflower, and is cultivated as a nutritious leafy green vegetable. It is traditional fare in the countries of Central and West Africa, and is one of the leading leafy green vegetables in Nigeria, where it is known as 'soko yokoto', meaning "make husbands fat and happy." In Spain it is known as "Rooster comb" because of its appearance. Leaves, young stems and young inflorescences are used for stew, as they soften readily in cooking. Leaves also have a soft texture and a mild spinach-like taste. Celosia is used as a treatment for intestinal worms (particularly tapeworm), blood diseases, mouth sores, and eye problems. Seeds treat chest complaints and flowers treat diarrhea. Leaves are used as dressings for boils and sores. ~ Leonard Tavernetti Beaumont Blooms Top left: A bowl of feathery Celosia Top right: A crested Celosia called "Taco Bell" Bottom: Celosia Fairy Ring at Lodge entrance

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