Family: Amaranthaceae
Author: L.
Bibliography: Mant. Pl. 2: 212 (1771)
Year: 1771
Status: accepted
Rank: species
Genus: Celosia
Vegetable: Unknown
Observations: Trop. & S. Africa, Arabian Pen.
Description
The plant commonly known as Woolflower, scientifically referred to as Celosia trigyna, is a captivating member of the Amaranthaceae family. First documented in the 18th century, its official description can be traced back to the bibliography entry “Mant. Pl. 2: 212 (1771)” by the eminent botanist Carl Linnaeus.
Celosia trigyna thrives predominantly in tropical and southern regions of Africa and can also be found stretching into the Arabian Peninsula. The Woolflower is renowned for its distinctive and vibrant floral structures, which resemble soft tufts or wool, giving the plant its common name. These eye-catching blooms, often in shades of deep red, orange, and yellow, make it a favored ornamental plant in gardens and floral arrangements.
The versatile and hardy nature of Woolflower allows it to adapt well to various climates within its native range, contributing to its widespread presence. The plant’s preference for warm, sunny environments with well-draining soil makes it an ideal choice for adding both texture and color to outdoor spaces. Additionally, its drought-tolerant properties further enhance its suitability for regions prone to dry conditions.
Beyond its ornamental value, Celosia trigyna holds cultural significance in various communities where it is native. It is often integrated into traditional practices and celebrations, symbolizing vibrancy and resilience.
In summary, Woolflower (Celosia trigyna) is a remarkable plant that exemplifies both aesthetic beauty and adaptability. Its historical roots and broad geographic spread underscore its importance and enduring appeal in horticulture and cultural traditions alike.
Common Names
Eng: woolflower
Lin: bolondolo
Kin: kabogeri
Run: rutosi
Swa: tonga
En: Woolflower, Silver spinach, Wool-flower
Rw: Kabogeri
Rn: Rutosi
Ln: Bolondolo
Sg: Lëlêü
Sw: Tonga
Synonyms
- Celosia caudata (Vahl)
- Celosia trigyna var. convexa (Suess.)
- Celosia trigyna var. pauciflora (Moq.)
- Celosia acroprosoides (Hochst. ex Oliv.)
- Celosia minutiflora (Baker)
- Celosia trigyna var. adoensis (Moq.)
- Celosia melanocarpos (Poir.)
- Celosia adoensis (Hochst. ex A.Rich.)
- Achyranthes paniculata (Forssk.)
- Celosia laxa (Schumach. & Thonn.)
- Lestibudesia trigyna ((L.) R.Br.)
- Lophoxera caudata ((Vahl) Raf.)
- Celosia trigyna var. longistyla (Suess.)
- Celosia semperflorens (Baker)
- Celosia trigyna var. brevifilamentosa (Suess.)
- Celosia triloba (E.Mey. ex Meisn.)
- Celosia trigyna var. subdensiflora (Moq.)
- Oplotheca decumbens (Mart.)
- Achyranthes fasciculata (Ehrenb. ex Schweinf.)
- Celosia trigyna var. fasciculiflora (Fenzl ex Moq.)
- Celosia trigyna subvar. triangularis (Suess.)
- Celosia digyna (Suess.)
Distribution
- Angola (native)
- Benin (native)
- Botswana (native)
- Burkina (native)
- Burundi (native)
- Cameroon (native)
- Cape Provinces (native)
- Cape Verde (native)
- Central African Repu (native)
- Chad (native)
- Congo (native)
- Equatorial Guinea (native)
- Eritrea (native)
- Ethiopia (native)
- Gabon (native)
- Gambia (native)
- Ghana (native)
- Guinea (native)
- Guinea-Bissau (native)
- Gulf of Guinea Is. (native)
- Ivory Coast (native)
- Kenya (native)
- KwaZulu-Natal (native)
- Liberia (native)
- Malawi (native)
- Mali (native)
- Mauritania (native)
- Mozambique (native)
- Namibia (native)
- Niger (native)
- Nigeria (native)
- Northern Provinces (native)
- Oman (native)
- Rwanda (native)
- Saudi Arabia (native)
- Senegal (native)
- Sierra Leone (native)
- Somalia (native)
- Sudan (native)
- Swaziland (native)
- Tanzania (native)
- Togo (native)
- Uganda (native)
- Yemen (native)
- Zambia (native)
- Zaïre (native)
- Zimbabwe (native)
- Florida (introduced)
Additional Images
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Flower
Taken Dec 5, 2019 by Herwig Mees (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Musa Umar (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Oct 30, 2019 by charles blancher (cc-by-sa)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Leaf
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 3, 2022 by daauud xuseen (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 30, 2019 by charles blancher (cc-by-sa)
Taken Oct 18, 2022 by Musa Umar (cc-by-sa)
Habit
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Marco Schmidt (cc-by-nc-sa)
Bark
Taken Jan 1, 1900 by EOL − Bart Wursten (cc-by-nc)
Sources
- WFO (No URL)
- IPNI (No URL)
- POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:327365-2)
- GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3085198)
- PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Celosia trigyna L.)
