Calliandra Surinamensis

Calliandra is a genus of about 200 species of flowering plants in the family Fabaceae, subfamily Mimosoideae, native to tropical and subtropical regions of southern Asia, Africa, Australia and the Americas. The genus comprises herbaceous perennial plants, shrubs and rarely small trees growing 0.5-6 m tall, with bipinnate leaves.

The flowers have numerous long slender stamens, and are produced in cylindrical or globose inflorescences; the stamens give rise to the common name of Powder-puff/ Powder puff Plant and Fairy Duster.These plants flower all year round, but the best blooming is in spring and summer. They can be easily pruned.

Common name

Surinam powder puff, pink powder puff, Surinamese stickpea, officiers-kwast.Family Mimosaceae (Leguminoceae).

Overview

A very common, low branching shrub or small tree with multiple trunks, it is native to Suriname it grows up to a height of 15 feet; has evergreen bipinnate, oblong leaves and axillary, compound, showy pink flowers, like a powder puff.

Surinam powder puff has dense foliage and is a fast grower.

A flat pod, first green later brown, contains 5 - 6 seeds; it curls open to release the brown seeds.This plant is cultivated for its ornamental purposes; it can also be used for bonsai.

Hardiness

USDA zone 9 - 11.

Propagation

Seeds and cuttings.

Culture

Full sun / light shade, rich well drained soil; acidic to slightly alkaline.After establishment with the aid of water, only regular pruning is needed to keep the plant within bounds.

This is an excellent container plant for the cooler climates and for the warmer regions a beautiful outdoors plant.

Source: tropilab-inc, Wikipedia