This week, on 2 November, the Day of the Dead was commemorated in Mexico, Spain, Venezuela and other Latin American countries, dedicated to remembering and honor our dead.
It is customary to go to cemeteries and bring flowers to relatives and loved ones. One of the most used flowers in my country is the Terciopelo Flower , because of its intense colour and brightness.
This flower reminds me of my mother (RIP), who used to visit the cemetery regularly on this date and buy these flowers.
For this reason, today I dedicate this post to the Terciopelo flower, as part of the Venezuelan traditions and in memory of my beloved mother and dead.
I invite you to continue reading for more information about its characteristics and other uses of this flower
Characteristics
Características
Beginning with its scientific name Celosía argéntea, it belongs to the family Amaranthaceae and approximately 50 species have been recognised, it can present yellow, pink and red colours.
An interesting fact is that its name is derived from the Greek word keleos meaning "flames", and this is due to the range of intense and striking colours of this flower: red, orange, gold and silver related to the similar tonalities that can be seen in the fire.
It is cultivated almost everywhere in the world, and according to the place it is known by various popular names: cock's cockscomb, caracas celosia, crested celosia, or simply celosia, lion's hand, Lagos spinach and velvet flower because of its texture very similar to this type of textile, its shape and colours.
And look at this flower in the shape of a cockscomb..... What do you think?
And the wonderful nature is generous and gives us these beautiful flowers accompanied by an equally charming plant with green leaves, which contrasts with the colour of its flowers and the radiant sun.
And surprise....discovered another plant with beautiful crimson-edged leaves, look at that beauty.
Stem and leaves in synchrony of green-pink colours .... spectacular!
Enjoy these flowers, stems, leaves, the complete collection, with unique and spectacular designs, and a combination of exquisite shades.
And it is the turn of the exuberant flowers that sprout at the ends of the stems. Tiny insects visit, posing for photos.
Initially they emerge on their own, showing the soft and delicate velvety texture, intense colour and varied shapes that characterise them.
They then unite to form a very dense, beautiful and colourful bouquet, decorating and brightening up the urban landscape.... a spectacle for the senses.
Care and uses
Cuidados y usos
Plants of Velvet Flower Celosia argentia require little care, moderate watering, direct or semi-direct sunlight and regular pruning to encourage flowering. It reproduces by seed and flowers easily in outdoor areas.
As for its uses, it is a plant that stands out for its edible, ornamental and medicinal properties.
In Africa, its leaves and stems are used as food, being appreciated in this sense.
It has also been used in natural medicine as a purifying analgesic and antibacterial.
In Venezuela and Mexico its use is mainly ornamental, being one of the most used flowers on the Day of the Dead, forming part of the traditions of popular culture, which we keep in the family and share with the youngest.
The photos used in this post were taken in Urbaneja Municipality, Anzoátegui State, Venezuela in October 2021.
Sources consulted.
Fuentes consultadas.
Las flores de terciopelo tienen su curiosa historia. En México resaltan usos y significados medicinales y religiosos.
https://www.zenger.news/2020/12/07/las-flores-de-terciopelo-tienen-su-curiosa-historia/
Lo que aún no sabías sobre la planta de celosía
https://nuestraflora.com/c-flores-de-sombra/planta-de-celosia/
