What is "celosia cristata"

Coxcomb \Cox"comb`\ (k?ks"k?m`), n. [A corrupted spelling of cock's comb.]

1. 1. A strip of red cloth notched like the comb of a cock, which licensed jesters formerly wore in their caps.

   2. The cap itself.

2. The top of the head, or the head itself.

   We will belabor you a little better, And beat a little more care into your coxcombs.
   --Beau & Fl.

3. A vain, showy fellow; a conceited, silly man, fond of display; a superficial pretender to knowledge or accomplishments; a fop.

   Fond to be seen, she kept a bevy Of powdered coxcombs at her levee.
   --Goldsmith.

   Some are bewildered in the maze of schools, And some made coxcombs, nature meant but fools.
   --Pope.

4. (Bot.) A name given to several plants of different genera, but particularly to Celosia cristata, or garden cockscomb. Same as Cockscomb.

Cockscomb \Cocks"comb`\ (k[o^]ks"k[=o]m`), n. [1st cock, n. + comb crest.]

1. See Coxcomb.

2. (Bot.) A plant ( Celosia cristata), of many varieties, cultivated for its broad, fantastic spikes of brilliant flowers; -- sometimes called garden cockscomb. Also the Pedicularis, or lousewort, the Rhinanthus Crista-galli, and the Onobrychis Crista-galli.

Celosia cristata is a member of the genus Celosia, and is commonly known as cockscomb, since the flower looks like the head on a rooster (cock). It is called Chi Kuan in China. The plants are hardy and resistant to most diseases, and grow equally well indoors or out, though the perfect place is one with no shade and a well drained soil, as the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases. The plant is used frequently as an ornamental plant indoors. Their leaves and flowers can be used as vegetables. They are often grown as foods in India, Western Africa, and South America.