Celosia is a small genus of edible and
ornamental plants in the
amaranth family,
Amaranthaceae. The generic name is derived from the Greek word κήλεος (
keleos), meaning "burned," and refers to the flame-like
flower heads. Species are commonly known as
woolflowers, or, if the flower heads are crested by
fasciation,
cockscombs. The plants are well known in East Africa’s highlands and are used under their Swahili name, mfungu.