Status:
valid
Authors:
Standl. & L.O.Williams ex Ant.Molina
Source:
tro
Year:
1968
Citation Micro:
Ceiba 14(1): 2 1968
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001061565
Common Names
- Calliandra Obesifolia
- Fairy Duster
- Red Powderpuff
Description
Calliandra obesifolia (also called Obese-leaved Calliandra, among many other common names) is a shrub native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It grows to a height of up to 10 feet, with trifoliate leaves and small, white flowers.
Uses & Benefits
Calliandra obesifolia is used as a traditional medicine to treat fever, skin diseases, and malaria. It is also used as a natural insecticide and for its ornamental value.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Calliandra obesifolia is white in color and has five petals. The seed is a small, round-shaped seed with a black color. The seedlings are green in color with two cotyledons.
Cultivation and Propagation
Calliandra obesifolia is a fast-growing, drought-tolerant species that can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seeds should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil and kept moist until germination. Cuttings should be taken from healthy, mature plants and planted in a well-draining soil mix. Both seed and cuttings should be kept in a warm, sunny location.
Where to Find Calliandra obesifolia
Calliandra obesifolia is native to Mexico and can be found in the states of Oaxaca and Chiapas.
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