Status:
valid
Authors:
(Schltdl.) Standl.
Source:
tro
Year:
1929
Citation Micro:
Publ. Field Mus. Nat. Hist., Bot. Ser. 4: 309. 1929
WFO Identifier:
wfo-0001056188
Common Names
- Calliandra callistemon
- Callistemon Calliandra
- Powderpuff Tree
Description
Calliandra callistemon (also called Calliandra callistemon, among many other common names) is a perennial shrub or small tree that is native to tropical regions. It has a slender stem, with alternate, pinnate leaves and small, yellow flowers. It grows in open, sunny areas, such as meadows, roadsides and disturbed areas.
Uses & Benefits
Calliandra callistemon is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks. It is also used as a source of fodder and for medicinal purposes.
Flower, Seeds and Seedlings
Calliandra callistemon has white flowers with five petals and a yellow center. The seed is a flat, oval-shaped bean with a light brown color. The seedlings have two cotyledons and a single stem with two leaves.
Cultivation and Propagation
Calliandra callistemon can be propagated from seed or cuttings. Seed should be sown in a well-drained, sandy soil mix and kept moist. Cuttings should be taken from semi-hardwood stems and planted in a moist, well-drained soil mix. Both methods should be done in a warm, sunny location.
Where to Find Calliandra callistemon
Calliandra callistemon can be found in the tropical and subtropical regions of 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