Plant · GBIF taxon 2982155
Scarlet Powder-puff
Calliandra haematocephalaAlso known as Red Powder Puff, Blood-Red Tassel Flower
Scarlet powder-puffs produce brilliant, globose flower heads composed of hundreds of thread-like red stamens that resemble fluffy pom-poms. The pinnate leaves fold together tightly at night or during overcast weather, a process known as nyctinasty. While native to tropical Bolivian woodlands, this evergreen shrub is now widely planted across warm regions, where its nectar-rich blooms attract a steady stream of hummingbirds and butterflies.
FloweringEvergreenOrnamental
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Sunlight
- Water
- Soil minerals
Predators
- Caterpillars
- Scale insects
- Spider mites
ThreatsHabitat loss in native range, severe frost
HabitatsTropical dry forests, cultivated gardens, urban landscapes
Life span20–50 years
Classification
- OrderFabales
- FamilyFabaceae
- GenusCalliandra
- SpeciesCalliandra haematocephala
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Best Viewing: Look for full blooms from autumn through spring in frost-free regions.
- Foliage Behavior: Watch the pinnate leaves fold closed in late afternoon as night approaches.
- Wildlife Spotting: Scan open blossoms for feeding hummingbirds and large butterflies.
Close Relative (c) Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Paul Asman and Jill Lenoble · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Eric Knight, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Eric Knight · cc-by
Family Member (c) Andrew Butko, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA) · cc-by-sa
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