Calliandra Surinamensis

Description

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Calliandra Surinamensis (Powder puff) is a low branching small single or multi-trunked tree or shrub, that usually grows to a height of 15 feet. Forming a vase-shaped or rounded irregular crown with a fine texture and drooping thorny branches that consequently may touch the ground.

In addition, leaves are green, alternate, bipinnate, and oblong with leaflets 2-4 inches long. Flowers are pink but variable, borne in a globose head 2-3 inches across, of delicate small petals with silky stamens extending well beyond the petals; flowers are short-lived. Also, fruits are dry, hard, flat pods 3-6 inches long which curl open to release 5-6 brown seeds; and they can can be used for propagation.

Calliandra Surinamensis (Powder puff) will grow in a range of well-drained soils. It prefers from full sun to partial shade. Although, the tree does require pruning to achieve good form.

The long arching branches make it a good patio tree; it is also grown as a specimen tree, along avenues, median strips, as a flower border and in large planters. It’s a fine small tree for a xerophytic garden. Powder puff can also be grown and trimmed to form an attractive flowering hedge.

It is also known as: Haematocephala or Portoricensis