Red Powder Puff

Summary

Common Name(s):

Red Powder Puff, Powder Puff Tree.

Botanical Name:

Calliandra haematocephala Hassk.

Synonym (s):

Anneslia haematocephala (Hassk.) Britton & P.Wilson; Feuilleea haematocephala (Hassk.) Kuntze

Family:

Fabaceae.

Native Range:

Bolivia.

Flowering:

November-January, sporadic additional bloom may occur rest of the year

Fruiting:

February-April.

Life Form:

Shrub.

Category:

Ornamental (Flowering & Foliage).

Ornamental Use:

Serves as barrier, specimen, corner plant etc.

Toxicity:

No.

Red Powder Puff
Enchanting Blossoms, Endless Wonder: Discover Calliandra haematocephala

Description


An evergreen shrub, usually 1-3 m tall in cultivation, typically grows as small tree in its native range. Leaves bipinnately compound, initially copper-pink, become drak green when mature; leaflets 5-10 pairs per pinna, obliquely lanceolate, 2-4 cm long, sparsely hairy along margins. Flowers red, present in axillary heads, ca. 3 cm in diam. Legume linear-oblanceolate, 5-10 cm long and 5-13 mm wide, dull brown.
Calliandra haematocephala
Calliandra haematocephala: Nature's Intricate Beauty Unveiled

Etymology


The genus name "Calliandra" is derived from two Greek words: "kalli" meaning "beautiful" and "andros" meaning "stamen" or "male organ." It refers to the attractive and showy stamens found in the flowers of plants belonging to this genus. The specific epithet "haematocephala" is derived from the Greek word "haematos," which means "blood," and "kephale," meaning "head" or "cap." It describes the characteristic blood-red heads that are a prominent feature of the plant.
Calliandra haematocephala 'Alba'
Graceful White Blooms: Calliandra haematocephala 'Alba' Unveils Tranquility

Uses


Serves as a barrier, specimen, and corner plant in landscaping. It lends itself to imaginative designs and can be grown in containers in greenhouses and conservatories. With skilled pruning, it can also be shaped into a stunning single-trunk tree form.

Cultivation


Prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It thrives in well-drained, moist, and fertile soils but does not tolerate salt. While mites and chewing insects may pose occasional issues, they are not typically serious. Once established, it showcases its drought tolerance. Ensure sufficient space for this large shrub to flourish and consider annual pruning. It is propagated through seeds, cuttings, or layering.