Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
mollissima
ID:
174674

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Benth.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1844

Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.3: 97 (1844)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000174003



Common Names

  • Mollissima Powderpuff
  • Mollissima Fairy Duster
  • Mollissima Calliandra


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Synonyms

  • Inga mollissima Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. [valid]
  • Calliandra chotanoana Benth. [unknown]
  • Feuilleea mollissima (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Kuntze [valid]
  • Calliandra chotanoana Harms [valid]
  • Mimosa mollissima (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Poir. [illegitimate]

Description

Calliandra mollissima (also called Pink Powderpuff, among many other common names) is a shrub or small tree that grows up to 5 m (16 ft) tall. It is native to Central America and South America, and is found in tropical and subtropical dry forests, tropical and subtropical moist lowland forests, and tropical and subtropical moist montane forests.

Uses & Benefits

Calliandra mollissima is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and is also used for fodder and as a windbreak.

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

The flower of Calliandra mollissima is a bright pink, fluffy, ball-shaped bloom. The seeds are small, black, and round. The seedlings are thin, with bright green leaves.

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Cultivation and Propagation

Calliandra mollissima 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 mollissima

Calliandra mollissima 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 mollissima FAQ

What is the common name of Calliandra mollissima?

Soft Powderpuff

What are the growing conditions for Calliandra mollissima?

This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

What is the average height of Calliandra mollissima?

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

References

Carl Ludwig Willdenow (1765-1812): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Willd.' in the authors string.
George Bentham (1800-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Benth.' in the authors string.
Alexander von Humboldt (1769-1859): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Humb.' in the authors string.
Aimé Bonpland (1773-1858): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Bonpl.' in the authors string.