Baja fairy duster

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Baja fairy duster
• Baja fairy duster

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anneslia mixta
• Anneslia mucronulata
• Anneslia californica
• Feuilleea californica

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae within the phylum Streptophyta and the class Equisetopsida. As a member of the subclass Magnoliidae and the order Fabales, it is classified under the family Fabaceae. Specifically, its taxonomic identity is defined by the genus Calliandra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant is primarily found within a specific region of North America. Its natural range is concentrated in the country of Mexico. Specifically, the distribution is limited to the northwestern portions of the nation. This localized presence suggests that the species thrives under the unique environmental conditions of that area. Therefore, locating Calliandra californica requires searching the diverse landscapes of Northwest Mexico.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Life history

The life history of Calliandra californica is characterized by its status as a perennial species, meaning it persists through multiple growing seasons rather than completing its life cycle in a single year. This longevity allows the plant to establish a stable presence within its ecological niche, undergoing repeated cycles of vegetative growth and reproductive development. As a perennial, it can withstand seasonal fluctuations, often regenerating from established root systems or rhizomes to ensure continued survival and the ability to flower across successive years.

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Calliandra californica is characterized by a woody growth form, manifesting as a self-supporting shrub. This plant does not exhibit climbing behavior, such as liana or vine characteristics, nor does it function as an obligatory or facultative climber; instead, it maintains a sturdy, upright structure. It is a terrestrial species, lacking aquatic or semiaquatic adaptations, and it is not an epiphyte, as it grows directly in the soil rather than on other plants. Furthermore, Calliandra californica is an independent organism, showing no parasitic tendencies, and its structural integrity is defined by its permanent woody nature.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Woodiness :

woody

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Chemicals

Calliandra californica has 2 reported phytochemicals identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include 5-Hydroxy-7,2',4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone, 7,2',4',5'-Tetramethoxyflavone.

5-Hydroxy-7,2',4',5'-tetramethoxyflavone

1. Journal of natural products

7,2',4',5'-Tetramethoxyflavone

1. Journal of natural products