The generic name is derived from the Ancient Greek word κήλεος (kḗleos), meaning "burning",[4] and refers to the colourful flame-like flower heads.

It grows widespread across Mexico, where it is known as "velvet flower", northern South America, tropical Africa, the West Indies, South, East and Southeast Asia where it is grown as a native or naturalized wildflower, and is cultivated as a nutritious leafy green vegetable.

It is traditional fare in the countries of Central and West Africa, and is one of the leading leafy green vegetables in Nigeria, where it is known as "soko yokoto", meaning "make husbands fat and happy".

[citation needed] Despite its African origin (a claim that is not without dispute), Celosia is known as a foodstuff in Indonesia and India.

[citation needed] The genus Celosia is also recognized as an important cultural symbol in Cebu, Philippines.

The local government of Cebu City, together with Sinulog Foundation Incorporated (SFI), declared the Celosia flower as the official flower of the Sinulog Festival, the grandest festival in the Philippines held in honor of Santo Niño every third Sunday of January.