Amaranthaceae

Amaranthaceae (cockscombs, celosias, etc.) A family of mostly annual herbs in which the leaves are entire and without stipules. The flowers are small, borne in dense, spike-like cymes, and are mostly unisexual; they have 3–5 scarious, green or brightly coloured perianth segments; 3–5 stamens; and a 1-celled ovary which forms a small, dry fruit. Celosia cristata (cockscomb) is cultivated for its red flowers. There are 71 genera, with about 800 species, mostly tropical or warm temperate, and occurring as weeds in cooler regions.