Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
purpurea
ID:
174678

Status:
valid

Authors:
(L.) Benth.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1844

Citation Micro:
London J. Bot.3: 104 (1844)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000174007



Common Names

  • Purple Calliandra
  • Powderpuff Tree
  • Calliandra Purpurea


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Synonyms

  • Mimosa purpurea L. [valid]
  • Inga purpurea Willd. [valid]
  • Inga obtusifolia Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd. [valid]
  • Anneslia purpurea (L.) Britton [valid]
  • Calliandra obtusifolia (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) H.Karst. [valid]
  • Calliandra slaneae R.A.Howard [valid]
  • Calliandra conoensis H.Karst. [unknown]
  • Mimosa obtusifolia Poir. [illegitimate]
  • Feuilleea purpurea Kuntze [valid]
  • Calliandra coroensis H.Karst. [valid]
  • Calliandra purpurea dussiana Stehlé [valid]
  • Calliandra purpurea quentiniana Stehlé [valid]
  • Codonandra coroensis Müll.Berol. [valid]

Description

Calliandra purpurea (also called Purple 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 purpurea 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 purpurea is a bright red, 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 purpurea 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 purpurea

Calliandra purpurea is native to tropical and subtropical regions of the Americas, including Mexico, Central America, and South America.

Calliandra purpurea FAQ

What is the scientific name of Calliandra purpurea?

Calliandra purpurea

What are the common names of Calliandra purpurea?

Purple Powderpuff, Purple Fairy Duster, and Purple Calliandra

What is the natural habitat of Calliandra purpurea?

It is native to Mexico and Central America, and is found in dry, tropical climates

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 Linnaeus (1707-1778): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'L.' in the authors string.
George Bentham (1800-1884): Based on occurrence of standard abbreviation 'Benth.' in the authors string.