The “normal” celosia form is seen on the left, while the flower on the right is the cristate mutation. The mutation is passed through this plant’s seeds, so it is possible to grow the wavy, petaled form, called cockscomb, from seed.
the dominant one. Some then grow faster than others, resulting in a kind of controlled-chaos pattern. On the other hand, some mutations affect only the dominant apical meristem. Imagine the cells in the growth tip as blocks. Normally, the cells multiply in an orderly fashion, like blocks stacked on top of one another, creating a vertical column. In cristate plants, the mutation causes cells to multiply erratically, aligning horizontally into a row of multiple growth tips. As the plant continues to mature, a fan-like crest takes shape. Some of the many meristems grow faster than others, and a swirling, asymmetrical structure forms.
Peculiar and Popular
The convoluted folds of a brain coral cactus are a stunning example of monstrose growth.
From Lumps to Swirls
Lumpy, bumpy, gnarled, and twisted, monstrose growth arises when the mutation causes every growth tip on the plant to act as if it were
A monstrose or cristate plant does develop seeds. But the mutation isn’t typically carried within them, so the plant will produce normal offspring. There are exceptions, including one that grows in many home gardens: the popular flower cockscomb Celosia cristata, a cristate form of celiosa. This plant does pass along the mutation, and seeds from the cristate form will also grow into cristate plants. The strange, other-worldly appearance of cristate and monstrose plants has developed a following. Many horticultural hobbyists seek out these eccentric, eye-catching plants. Succulents and cactus seem to be among the most popular collectibles in this realm. The challenge is that because monstrose and cristate mutations aren’t carried in the seed, plants with those forms need to be propagated through grafts—and no two are exactly alike. The idea of mutant plants may bring to mind the frightening flora from Little Shop of Horrors. But in this case, truth is stranger—and kinder—than fiction. Any plant can display a cristate or monstrose growth habit, and watching for these odd formations is a pleasant and never-ending adventure. n SAN DIEGO ZOO GLOBAL
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