Lagos Spinach, Common Cockscomb

Celosia argentea cristata

Physical Characteristics

Celosia argentea cristata is a ANNUAL growing to 0.5 m (1ft 8in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in) at a fast rate. See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Wind, Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in heavy clay soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Pantropics.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Leaves Oil Shoots Edible Uses: Oil Leaves and young shoots - cooked[ 177 , 178 , 179 ]. An important and nutritious vegetable [ 46 , 272 ]. Used in soups and stews[ 300 , 418 ]. The leaves retain a pleasant green colour when cooked - they soften readily and should not be overcooked[ 298 ]. The texture is soft and the flavour very mild and spinach-like with no hint of bitterness[ 298 ]. An edible oil can be obtained from the seed[ 301 ].

Medicinal Uses

Antibacterial Astringent Dysentery Eczema Haemostatic Hypotensive Ophthalmic Parasiticide The flowers and seed are astringent, haemostatic, ophthalmic, parasiticide and poultice[ 147 , 176 , 178 ]. They are used in the treatment of bloody stool, haemorrhoid bleeding, uterine bleeding, leucorrhoea, dysentery and diarrhoea[ 176 , 299 ]. As a parasiticide it is very effective against Trichomonas, a 20% extract can cause the Trichomonas to disappear in 15 minutes[ 176 ]. The seed is hypotensive and ophthalmic[ 176 ]. It also has an antibacterial action, inhibiting the growth of Pseudomonas[ 176 ]. It is used in the treatment of diarrhoea, bloodshot eyes, blurring of vision, cataracts and hypertension, but should not be used by people with glaucoma because it dilates the pupils[ 176 , 299 ]. The seeds are widely used in India for the treatment of diabetes mellitus[ 299 ]. A liquid extract from the leaves and flowers is used as a body wash for convalescents[ 299 ]. The leaves are used in the treatment of infected sores, wounds and skin eruptions[ 299 ]. The whole plant is used as an antidote for snakebites[ 299 ]. The roots are used in the treatment of colic, gonorrhoea and eczema[ 299 ].

Known Hazards

None known