Calliandra emarginata (Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.) Benth. 1844, commonly called Red Dwarf Powder Puff,is a small, evergreen tree or shrub, native to South America.

The Red Dwarf Powder Puff reach heights of just about 2 meters and is best cultivated as a pot plant. The beautiful bright red flowers, reminescent of a powder puff, get a size of about 5 cm in diameter, but last just 1-2 days. During its flowering period from spring to summer, in tropical countries nearly all year long, the red Dwarf Powder Puff (Calliandra emarginata) produces a rash of flowers and is attractive to butterflies and other nectar-feeding insects. The tropical shrub belongs to the Touch-me-not family (Mimosaceae) and requires plenty of water and a location in full sun to medium shade. To keep plants in form and shape, they may be trimmed. Calliandra emarginata is also known with pink or white flowers. The Red Dwarf Powder Puff does not tolerate freezing temperatures below 0°C.

Flower Photography © Orchids Flowers.com
Image: Red Dwarf Powder Puff (Calliandra emarginata)
Photographer: Kitisak “Nat” Jaidee