Native to the dry regions of Africa, India, and the Americas, the latin name is derived from the Greek for "burned," referring to the flame-like flower heads. Celosia grows widespread across Mexico, where it is known as the Velvet Flower. In Asia where it is wild or naturalized, it is cultivated as a nutritious leafy green vegetable.  And in the traditional fare Central and West Africa, it is a common leafy green vegetables, where it is known as ‘soko yokoto’, meaning "make husbands fat and happy".  Bred now in multiple colours and forms, this flower appears in many ornamental gardens and is a favorite with children for its soft flowerhead.