Status:
valid
Authors:
(Sw.) Benth.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1846
Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.5: 104 (1846)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000173996
Common Names
- Comosa Calliandra
- Red Powderpuff
- Red Fairy Duster
Synonyms
- Anneslia comosa (Sw.) Britton & Rose [valid]
- Mimosa comosa Sw. [valid]
- Inga comosa (Sw.) Willd. [valid]
- Pithecolobium comosum Benth. [unknown]
- Feuilleea comosa (Sw.) Kuntze [valid]
- Pithecellobium comosum (Sw.) Benth. [valid]
Description
Calliandra comosa (also called Comosa, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 8 meters in height. It has pinnate leaves and white or pink flowers with red stamens. It is native to Central America, and is found in dry forests and coastal areas.
Uses & Benefits
Calliandra comosa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a fodder crop and for soil stabilization.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Calliandra comosa has pink flowers with yellow centers, and the seed pods are long and thin. The seeds are small, dark brown, and have a hard outer shell. The seedlings are small, with green leaves and a white stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Calliandra comosa is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant shrub that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. Seeds should be sown in spring or summer in a warm, sunny location. Cuttings should be taken in late spring or early summer and rooted in a sandy, well-drained soil.
Where to Find Calliandra comosa
Calliandra comosa is native to Mexico and Central America and can be found in tropical and subtropical climates. It is typically found in dry forests, scrublands, and grasslands.
Calliandra comosa FAQ
What is the common name of Calliandra comosa?
Comose Powderpuff
What are the growing conditions for Calliandra comosa?
This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.
What is the average height of Calliandra comosa?
This plant can reach up to 3 feet in height.
Species in the Calliandra genus
Calliandra paniculata,
Calliandra aeschynomenoides,
Calliandra angustifolia,
Calliandra belizensis,
Calliandra biflora,
Calliandra bijuga,
Calliandra blanchetii,
Calliandra bombycina,
Calliandra brenesii,
Calliandra brevicaulis,
Calliandra californica,
Calliandra calycina,
Calliandra carcerea,
Calliandra chilensis,
Calliandra crassipes,
Calliandra depauperata,
Calliandra dysantha,
Calliandra enervis,
Calliandra fasciculata,
Calliandra foliolosa,
Calliandra fuscipila,
Calliandra glomerulata,
Calliandra grandifolia,
Calliandra hirsuticaulis,
Calliandra hirtiflora,
Calliandra juzepczukii,
Calliandra laevis,
Calliandra leptopoda,
Calliandra longipinna,
Calliandra luetzelburgii,
Calliandra macrocalyx,
Calliandra medellinensis,
Calliandra molinae,
Calliandra palmeri,
Calliandra parvifolia,
Calliandra peninsularis,
Calliandra pilgeriana,
Calliandra pittieri,
Calliandra purdiei,
Calliandra quetzal,
Calliandra rhodocephala,
Calliandra rigida,
Calliandra rubescens,
Calliandra seleri,
Calliandra sessilis,
Calliandra sincorana,
Calliandra spinosa,
Calliandra subspicata,
Calliandra tolimensis,
Calliandra trinervia,
Species in the Fabaceae family