Celosia argentea var. cristata (formerly Celosia cristata), known as cockscomb, is the cristate or crested variety of the species Celosia argentea. It was likely originally native to India, where it was saved from extinction in cultivation by the religious significance attached to the variety by Indian, Burmese, and Chinese gardeners who planted it near temples. The name cockscomb is used as the flower looks like the head on a rooster (cock). The plants are resistant to most diseases, and grow equally well indoors or out, though the perfect place is one with no shade and a well-drained soil, as the plant is susceptible to fungal diseases.