Calliandra surinamensis - Suriname Powder Puff

Common name
Surinam powder puff, pink powder puff, Surinamese stickpea, officiers-kwast.
Family Mimosaceae (Leguminoceae).

Overview
A very common, low branching shrub or small tree with multiple trunks, it is native to Suriname it grows up to a height of 15 feet; has evergreen bipinnate, oblong leaves and axillary, compound, showy pink flowers, like a powder puff.
Surinam powder puff has 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.



tropilab.com
photo from flickr.com/photos/jomatt/