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Calliandra surinamensis
| Family Name: | Fabaceae (Leguminosae) |
| Common Name: | Powder Puff Plant, Powderpuff Plant, Pink Tassel-flower, Pink Powder-puff |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | Northern South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical, Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Low branching shrub growing up to 5 to 6 m tall. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Alternate leaf arrangement, bipinnate or even pinnate compound, leaflets entire and oblong, each leaflet measuring about 5 - 10 cm long. |
| Flowers | Fruit is a flattened, brown pod, measuring about 7 - 12 cm long. |
| Etymology | Genus Calliandra means "beautiful stamens", species surinamensis means from Suriname, South America. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | Parks & Gardens, Small Gardens |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun, Semi-Shade |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Fast |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Moist Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Seed, Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Foliar Type | Compound |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Entire |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Mature Seed Colour(s) | Brown |
| Seed Quantity Per Fruit | Few (1-5) |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 473 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1769 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |
