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Calliandra haematocephala: Pink Powerpuff Native to South America, could be found along coast of California and in Florida (therefore needs warm weather) It is a tropical plant, requires full sun, rich well-drained soil, requires constant supply of water Each red strand is a stamen, and there is pollen at the end of it. The leaves are pinnately divided and initially copper before turning deep green.

LS1 Week 6 Pink Powderpuff Writeup

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Calliandra haematocephala: Pink PowerpuffNative to South America, could be found along coast of California and in Florida (therefore needs warm weather) It is a tropical plant, requires full sun, rich well-drained soil, requires constant supply of waterEach red strand is a stamen, and there is pollen at the end of it. The leaves are pinnately divided and initially copper before turning deep green.

Weilin (Melissa) Song ID#904252117Demonstration 2CAn Introduction to the Pink PowderpuffThe Calliandra genus consists of tropical small trees and evergreen, flowering shrubs. Calliandra haematocephala, or commonly known as the Pink Powderpuff Tree, is one species that is native to South America, and the one found here in the Mildred E. Mathias Botanical Garden. After being introduced to the United States, they are most generally seen today in the coastal California and Florida regions. As a tropical plant, the Powderpuff tree requires generally warm weather. They also require constant sunlight, rich, well-drained soil, and a fairly humid environment to flourish.

The most striking characteristic about these plants is the bright, fragrant flowers of pink, red, or white that bloom during the summer and spring. Its vibrant colors attract a variety of pollinators, including butterflies, honeybees, and even hummingbirds. The fluff is attributed to dozens of long, silky stamens, with anthers on the tips containing pollen that is rubbed off onto pollinators who attempt to reach the nectar found inside. Like most angiosperms, these flowers are bisexual and contain both male and female organs, but the female organs are tucked away in the stamen. Also notable is that petals for this plant still exist, but have minimized to be small structures found at the base helping to hold the stamen in. Current DistributionSouth America: Native Origin

The foliage of powderpuff trees is bipinnately arranged, which means that the leaves are shaped like feathers. When they first appear the leaves are a glossy copper, but eventually turn a deep green. They have a waxy exterior, most likely to prevent high levels of moisture loss in warm environments. As for the fruits, they are small, hard, and brown. As opposed to the colorful flowers, the fruit are inconspicuous and does not attract wildlife. They most likely use other methods of distribution of seeds.

In conclusion, powderpuff trees can often be found in backyards and gardens, because those are the ideal habitats in which they flourish. Their unique flowers also make them an aesthetically pleasing addition to any garden. Interestingly, due to its slender branches that are easily to prune and manipulate and preference for warm weather, dwarf powderpuffs make good bonsai trees, making this plant a popular choice with Asian cultures.

Bibliography

"Calliandra Haematocephala: Powderpuff1."EDIS New Publications RSS. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

"How to Grow and Care for Powder Puff Trees."Powder Puff Trees, How to Grow and Care for Calliandra Powder Puff Plants. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.

"Powder Puff Tree - Calliandra Haematocephala."Powder Puff Tree - Calliandra Haematocephala. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Nov. 2014.