Kingdom:
Phylum:
Angiosperms
Order:
Fabales
Family:
Species:
laxa
ID:
174673

Status:
valid

Authors:
(Willd.) Benth.

Source:
ildis

Year:
1875

Citation Micro:
Trans. Linn. Soc. London30: 551 (1875)

WFO Identifier:
wfo-0000174002

Common Names

  • Laxa Powderpuff
  • Laxa Fairy Duster
  • Laxa Calliandra

Searching for Calliandra laxa? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Synonyms

  • Acacia laxa Willd. [valid]
  • Calliandra cumingii Hook. & Arn. [unknown]
  • Feuilleea laxa Kuntze [valid]
  • Mimosa laxa (Willd.) Poir. [valid]

Description

Calliandra laxa (also called White 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 laxa is used as an ornamental plant in gardens and parks, and is also used for fodder and as a windbreak.

Cultivars, Varieties & Sub-species

Calliandra laxa var. stipulacea (Benth.) Barneby
Calliandra laxa var. laxa
Calliandra laxa var. urimana Barneby

Flower, Seeds and Seedlings

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

Searching for Calliandra laxa? Discover Suppliers and Request Free Samples Now!

Find Suppliers & Request Samples

Cultivation and Propagation

Calliandra laxa 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 laxa

Calliandra laxa 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 laxa FAQ

What is the common name of Calliandra laxa?

Lax Powderpuff

What are the growing conditions for Calliandra laxa?

This plant prefers full sun and well-drained soil.

What is the average height of Calliandra laxa?

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.