the genus comprises herbaceous perennial plants, shrubs and rarely small trees growing 0.5–6 m tall, with bipinnate leaves. the flowers are produced in cylindrical or globose inflorescences and have numerous long slender stamens which give rise to the common names powder-puff, powder puff plant, and fairy duster. these plants flower all year round, but the best blooming is in spring and summer. they can be easily pruned.
photos: celeste mookherjee
plant info
latin name: calliandra haematocephala
family name: fabaceae
origin: south america
garden location: outside near garden entrance
