Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Shrub |
| Lifespan (in Singapore) | Perennial |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Open |
Biogeography
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial |
|---|---|
| Preferred Climate Zone | Tropical |
| Local Conservation Status | Non-native (Horticultural / Cultivated Only) |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | An erect woody shrub with horizontal-tiered branches. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Leaves are oppositely arranged along the stem, bipinnately compound with two pairs of leaflets on each side. Leaflets are oblong with unequal sides. |
| Flowers | Flowers are borne in powderpuff-like clusters (inflorescence) arranged along the stems, with numerous stamens, pink on the upper half with white on the lower half. Unopened flower buds resemble a bunch of pinkish green berries. |
| Cultivation | Provide moderate watering on well-drained soils. This plant takes full sun condition. |
| Etymology | The genus Calliandra is derived from Greek for 'kalos' means beautiful, and 'andros' means stamen, a reference to the plant's conspicuous silky pinkish white stamens. |
Landscaping Features
| Desirable Plant Features | Ornamental Flowers, Ornamental Foliage |
|---|---|
| Landscape Uses | General, Focal Plant, Parks & Gardens |
| Thematic Landscaping | Butterfly Garden |
Fauna, Pollination and Dispersal
| Fauna Pollination Dispersal Associated Fauna | Butterfly-Attracting |
|---|---|
| Pollination Method(s) | Biotic (Fauna) (Insects (Butterfly, Moth), Insects (Bee)) |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water |
| Plant Growth Rate | Moderate |
| Rootzone Tolerance | Fertile Loamy Soils, Well-Drained Soils |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting, Seed |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Prominent Young Flush Colour(s) | Green - Light Green |
| Young Flush Texture(s) | Velvety / Furry / Tomentose |
| Foliar Type | Compound (Bipinnate) |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Alternate |
| Foliar Attachment to Stem | Petiolate |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Oblong) |
| Foliar Venation | Pinnate / Net |
| Foliar Margin | Ciliate / Hairy |
| Foliar Apex - Tip | Obtuse |
| Foliar Base | Oblique / Asymmetrical |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Woody |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Pink, White |
|---|---|
| Flower Texture(s) | Smooth |
| Flower Grouping | Cluster / Inflorescence |
| Flower Location | Axillary |
| Flower Symmetry | Radial |
| Flowering Period | Free-Flowering |
| Flowering Opening Time | Daytime |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Brown |
|---|---|
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type | Dehiscent Dry Fruit , Legume / Pod |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 34533 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 8946 |
| 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. |
