Red Calliandra

Calliandra calothyrsus (family Fabaceae / Leguminosae, subfamily Mimosoideae, tribe Ingeae), a small legume tree, with common names: Cabello de Angel (Angel's Hair), Barbe Sol (The Sun's Beard), Red Calliandra, Powderpuff, is a native of Central America and Mexico. It is usually 4–6 m high but might reach a height of 12 m under favorable conditions. The stems are quite small with a maximum base diameter of about 30 cm, the bark is blackish-brown. The flowers are subterminal inflorescences with numerous long, hair-like purple or red stamens.

It is a fast growing tree that has a potential for reforestation in the Tropics. It could prevent soil erosion encountered in deforested areas. Its rooting system is composed of deep roots as well as numerous lateral roots that enhance a good soil structure. It has both superficial and deep-growing roots. While the above-ground parts are only short lived, the roots are able to sprout up to 20 years.