Status:
valid
Authors:
Benth.
Source:
ildis
Year:
1840
Citation Micro:
J. Bot. (Hooker)2: 141 (1840)
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000165072
Common Names
- Powderpuff
- Desert Powderpuff
- Fairy Duster
Synonyms
- Feuilleea ceacana Kuntze [unknown]
- Feuilleea cearana Kuntze [valid]
Description
Calliandra umbellifera (also called Umbel Powderpuff, among many other common names) is a small shrub native to Central America. It has small, bright pink flowers and grows in dry, open habitats such as grasslands and scrublands.
Uses & Benefits
Calliandra umbellifera is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used for fodder and as a soil conditioner. Its leaves can be used as a green manure and its wood is used for fuel.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
The flower of Calliandra umbellifera is a small, yellow to orange, five-petaled flower. The seed is a small, dark brown, hard seed. The seedlings are small and have a single, unbranched stem.
Cultivation and Propagation
Calliandra umbellifera is a shrub that grows to a height of 3-4 m. It has a spreading habit and can be propagated from seed or cuttings. It prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It is drought tolerant and can tolerate temperatures as low as -4°C.
Where to Find Calliandra umbellifera
Calliandra umbellifera is native to the tropical forests of Central and South America. It can be found in Colombia, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Guatemala, Mexico, Panama, and Peru.
Calliandra umbellifera FAQ
What is the scientific name of Calliandra umbellifera?
Calliandra umbellifera
What are the common names of Calliandra umbellifera?
Umbellifera Calliandra, Red Powderpuff
What is the natural habitat of Calliandra umbellifera?
It is native to Central and South America
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