Red Powder Puff

One of my favourite plants, seen in the Conservatory at the Calgary Zoo.

"Native to Bolivia, Red Powder Puff is an evergreen shrub or small tree. It was formerly included in the legume or pea family, but has recently been shifted into the mimosa family. It typically grows 10-15’ tall in its native habitat and is a very popular flowering shrub in central and southern Florida, where it will survive year-round in the ground. Raspberry-like flower buds open to hemispherical red powder puff flower heads (to 3” across) consisting of masses of scarlet stamens. Variations in flower color exist, with some pink and white forms being available. Calliandra comes from the Greek words kallos meaning beauty and andros meaning stamen." From www.mobot.org/GARDENINGHELP/PLANTFINDER.