Cockscomb

According to the GardeningKnowHow website:

The cockscomb plant is versatile in height, sometimes remaining as short as a few inches (8 cm.) while others grow to a few feet (1 m.). The irregular growth habits of the cockscomb plant can lead to surprises in the garden. Though an annual flower, growing cockscomb reseeds freely and often supplies a wealth of plants for next year.

It is an unusual-looking flower to say the least, but its unpredictability of height might dissuade the more careful gardeners from planting it, lest it spoil their clever designs.

When I was at school, I was short for my age, but now I am likely reckoned as average, for no-one comments on my height. It is something over which we have no control, though a vitamin-free diet in our early years may arrest growth and development. Whereas we might consider tallness a noble thing, it should be noted that Goliath of Gath’s great height underlined his spiritual dwarfishness. In the same Bible book, Goliath’s slayer is initially discounted by Samuel for his lack of height when compared to his brothers. Furthermore, the ‘high places’ of Israel were sites of idolatry, much like Babel’s tall tower.  

I should sooner be a small man in the hand of a great God, than a tall, powerful man who dares defy Him. I should sooner be a Zacchaeus who climbs a tree to see Jesus, than a Saul who was higher than all the people, but whose spirit was shorter than a shepherd's.

A. D.