Cosmos are plants in the Asteraceae family and Heliantheae tribe. The Cosmos genus comprises 26 known species, all of which are melliferous. Species range in color from white to violet, yellow, orange, pink, red..., with one species often offering flowers in a variety of colors. The flowers are highly melliferous and also edible. Cosmos diversifolius was used by Andean healers. The leaves are used in a decoction to treat colds and bronchitis. The flowers are used in decoction and in large quantities against rickets. In a drink with honey, they are used against influenza. The roots, in decoction and in large quantities, are used against pleurisy and pneumonia.