a garden plant, Celosia cristata, of the amaranth family, with flowers, commonly crimson or purple, in a broad spike somewhat resembling the comb of a cock.

noun

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/cockscombs?s=t

“The neighbor lady Dolores divided her time between the memory of these men and her garden, famous for it’s sunflowers, so tall they had to be supported by broom handles and old boards; red red cockscombs, fringed and bleeding a thick menstrual color; and especially roses whose sad scent reminded Cleofilas of the dead.” pg 1402

I understand that in this passage I understand that the neighbor, Dolores really tends to her garden with lots of care.

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