Calliandra
Shrubs and small trees with fluffy, powder-puff-like flowers
Calliandra is a group of about 140 flowering plants in the pea family, found in warm parts of the Americas. These shrubs and small trees are known for their showy, brush-like flowers with long stamens, which bloom mainly in spring and summer in shades like pink and white.
- Calliandra has about 140 species of flowering shrubs and small trees.
- The flowers are known for their long, slender stamens and fluffy look.
- They bloom best in spring and summer but can flower all year.
- Caterpillars such as statira sulphur larvae feed on these plants.
What does Calliandra look like?
Plants in the Calliandra group can be low-growing perennials, shrubs, or sometimes small trees, reaching from half a metre to six metres tall. Their leaves are divided into many small leaflets, giving a feathery look. The flowers form rounded or cylindrical clusters, each made up of many long, thin stamens that create a soft, fluffy appearance. These blooms come in bright colours such as pink and white and often attract insects and caterpillars.
Where does Calliandra come from?
Calliandra includes about 140 species that grow naturally in the Americas, especially in areas with warm climates. The genus belongs to the pea family and is part of a group called the mimosoid clade. Over time, some plants once included in Calliandra have been reclassified into other genera. The name 'Calliandra' is used for a wide range of species, each adapted to different local conditions.
When and how Calliandra blooms
These plants flower throughout the year, but their most impressive displays are seen in spring and summer. Calliandra species are usually grown as shrubs in gardens and can be shaped with pruning. They thrive in warm climates and are often started from seed or young plants. Their ability to bloom for long periods makes them popular for ornamental use.
How Calliandra is used
Calliandra is mainly grown for its decorative flowers, which are valued in gardens and landscapes. The fluffy, colourful blooms make them attractive as ornamental shrubs. They are also a food source for certain caterpillars, such as those of the statira sulphur butterfly. The plants are easy to maintain and can be pruned to keep their shape.
Kinds of Calliandra
There are over a hundred species within Calliandra, each with its own features. Some species have been moved to other plant groups after further study. The flowers may vary in colour and size, but all share the characteristic long stamens. Gardeners can choose from a range of species and forms to suit their needs.
What Calliandra means
Calliandra is known for its striking, powder-puff flowers, which have led to its common names. While not tied to specific cultural traditions or symbolism in the sources, these plants are widely used in gardens for their beauty and long flowering season. They also play a role in supporting local insect life.
Questions people ask about Calliandra
Where does Calliandra come from?
Calliandra species are originally found in warm parts of the Americas, where they grow in tropical and subtropical climates.
What do Calliandra flowers look like?
The flowers form round or cylindrical clusters with many long, thin stamens, giving them a soft, powder-puff appearance in colours like pink and white.
How is Calliandra used?
People mainly grow Calliandra as ornamental shrubs in gardens for their attractive, long-lasting flowers.
Are there different types of Calliandra?
Yes, there are over 140 species, with variations in flower colour, size, and growth habit. Some former members have been moved to other genera.
Does Calliandra have any special meaning or uses in culture?
The sources do not mention any particular symbolism or cultural uses for Calliandra, but it is valued for its decorative flowers and support of local insects.
Good reading and sources
- USDA Plants DatabaseUS Department of Agriculture, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Calliandra", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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