Calliandra surinamensis

A low branching shrub or small tree with multiple trunks, growing up to a height of 15 feet in tropics, but usually stays below 6-7 ft. Showy pink flowers, like a powderpuff, are bright pink on the surface and pale pink to white inside the "powderpuff" ball. The plant has evergreen bipinnate, oblong leaves that are pointed (unlike C. haematocephala which leaves are more oval). Surinam powder puff has a dense foliage and is a fast grower. A flat pod, first green later brown, contains 5 - 6 seeds; it curls open to release the brown seeds. This plant is cultivated for its ornamental purposes; it can also be used for bonsai. Hardiness: USDA zone 9 - 11. Propagation: seeds and cuttings. Culture: full sun / light shade, rich well drained soil; acidic to slightly alkaline. After establisment with the aid of water, only regular pruning is needed to keep the plant within bounds. This is a excellent container plant for the cooler climates and for the warmer regions a beautiful outdoors plant.

Similar plants:

• Calliandra brevipes, Calliandra selloi, Acacia selloi (Pink Powderpuff, Shuttlecock, Esponja, Esponjinha, Manduruva, Fairyduster, Mesquitilla, Mock mesquite, Quebra-foice)
• Calliandra californica (Baja Fairy Duster)
• Calliandra calothyrsus (Cabello de Angel (Angels Hair), Barbe Sol (The Suns Beard), Red Calliandra, Powderpuff)
• Calliandra emarginata, Inga emarginata (Powderpuff)
• Calliandra haematocephala x surinamensis Nana (Dwarf Powderpuff Tree)
• Calliandra haematocephala, Calliandra inaequilatera (Rose cascade, Blood Red Tassel Flower)
• Calliandra houstoniana (Tree Calliandra, Powderpuff)
• Calliandra parvifolia (Powderpuff, Pink Calliandra, Plumerillo Rosado)
• Calliandra riparia, Calliandra schultzei (Pink Powderpuff)
• Calliandra sp. (Powder Puff)