Among ornamental flowers, those with peculiar shapes and bright colors are always favored by gardeners. The cockscomb flower is exactly one of them.
As its name states, the cockscomb flower looks like a cock's comb on a rooster's head colored in yellow, pink, orange or white. When looking from the bottom, the fasciated corolla also has an appearance of the brain. Because of the fluffy flower that resembles the touch of wool, it is also called "wool flower".
Closeup of the cockscomb flower's corolla that looks like brain and rooster's head. /VCG Photo
Cockscomb flower is native to India and could be found around the world. It is widely planted by gardeners. This flower is good for appreciation in fresh, but also as dry flower bouquets when it is cut and dried. In countries like India and Africa, its leaves and flower are also used as vegetables.
Thriving pink cockscomb flower in Beijing, China. /VCG Photo
The cockscomb flower is not difficult to grow. The amount of sunlight could manipulate the height of the flower. Full sun locations can make it grow taller, and the partial sun is accepted as well. Rich and well-drained soil can help the flower to keep from most of the diseases. With all of these cares, it is very easy to get thriving cockscomb flowers from July to September.
Read more from the series "Season of Flower":
English lavender: Dreamy purple flower with multiple uses
(Cover image via VCG, designed by CGTN's Du Chenxin)
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