Black cosmos, Chocolate cosmos
Cosmos atrosanguineus

Family: Asteraceae

What it is like

A herb. It keeps growing from year to year. It grows 40-60 cm tall. It has a fleshy tuberous root. The leaves are 7-15 cm long with leaflets along the stalk. These are 2-5 cm long. The flowers are dark red and have a chocolate or vanilla scent.

Where it is found

It is a tropical plant.

Countries/locations it is found in

Asia, India, Mexico (country/location of origin), North America

How it is used for food

The flowers are occasionally used for flavouring. They have a chocolate fragrance.

Edible parts

Flowers - flavouring

How it is grown

Plants are grown by division of the tubers.

Its other names

Local names

Chocolate cosmos

Synonyms

Bidens atrosanguinea (Hook.) Orthies; Cosmos atrosanguineus (Ortgies) Hemsl. [Illegitimate];