Family: Mimosaceae
Common Name: Powder Puff Tree

This genus is native to tropical and subtropical America, India, Africa and Madagascar. The common name has been adopted for the brush-like flowers which are typical of this genus of low-growing trees and shrubs. The flowers come in shades of purple, red and white and followed by seed pods. Foliage consists of soft, double pinnate leaves. They provide colourful accents amongst other shrubs or when planted in small groups. In subtropical and tropical areas they are often used as informal hedges or screens. In frost-prone climates they are grown in an intermediate greenhouse or conservatory.

Species

C. haematocephala, a shrub or small spreading tree growing to 4 m (13 ft), has fine, feathery leaves and an abundance of flowers composed of pinky red stamens.

C. selloi is a strongly branched shrub which grows to 3 m (10 ft) or more. Its flowers appear in terminal heads as clusters of pinkish purple stamens up to 4 cm (1½ in) long.

C. tweedii, red tassel flower, grows to about 3 m (10 ft), with bright red staminate flowers through spring and summer.

C. haematocephala and C. tweedii are the most commonly cultivated species.

Cultivation

Under glass, grow in pots of soil-based compost in maximum light. Outdoors, grow in fertile soil in a sunny position. Propagate by seed or semi-ripe cuttings.

Climate

Zone 10 and above.