Pink Powderpuff

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• Pink Powderpuff

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Anneslia tergemina
• Mimosa tergemina
• Inga tergemina
• Feuilleea tergemina

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

Taxonomical Classification

This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and is classified under the phylum Streptophyta and class Equisetopsida. Within the subclass Magnoliidae, it is categorized under the order Fabales and the family Fabaceae. Finally, its specific taxonomic identity is established within the genus Calliandra.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Distribution

This plant exhibits a diverse geographical distribution that spans across several distinct regions. Within the Indian Subcontinent, its presence is specifically noted in Bangladesh. Moving toward the Pacific, it can be found across the Papuasia region, particularly in New Guinea. In North America, the species is widely distributed throughout Mexico, covering the Central, Northeast, and Gulf territories. Together, these locations illustrate the wide range of habitats where this medicinal plant thrives.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Calliandra tergemina is characterized by its preference for specific moisture-rich environments and a broad altitudinal distribution. This species is primarily found in riverine habitats, where it thrives in the proximity of watercourses that provide the necessary hydration and soil conditions for its growth. Its vertical distribution is quite extensive, spanning an elevational range that begins at sea level (0 m AMSL) and extends up to a maximum of 1500 m AMSL. This wide range allows the plant to occupy diverse ecological niches across various topographical gradients, provided the riparian conditions of its preferred habitat are met.

Elevational range max:

1500 m AMSL

Elevational range min:

0 m AMSL

Habitat :

riverine

Morphology

The morphology of Calliandra tergemina is characterized by a woody growth form, primarily manifesting as a shrub or a small tree. It is a self-supporting plant, functioning as an independent organism without parasitic or obligatory epiphytic requirements, and it maintains a terrestrial habit rather than an aquatic or semiaquatic existence. As a non-climbing, self-supporting species, it does not exhibit liana or vine-like behaviors, instead establishing a stable structural presence. The plant can reach a maximum height of approximately 5 meters, supported by its woody stems that define its stature within its natural habitat.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

tree

Growth form :

shrub

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

5 m

Woodiness :

woody

Physiology

The physiological profile of Calliandra tergemina is characterized by highly uniform structural properties within its vascular framework, particularly regarding its stem development. Analysis of its morphological integrity reveals a consistent Stem Specific Density (SSD) throughout the plant's structural tissues. The physiological data indicates that the Stem Specific Density (SSD) maintains a constant value, with an SSD_min of 810 mg/cm³, an SSD_mean of 810 mg/cm³, and an SSD_max of 810 mg/cm³. This lack of variance in density suggests a highly stabilized lignification process and a homogenous cellular arrangement within the stem, ensuring predictable mechanical support and efficient nutrient transport capabilities across the plant's entire growth cycle.

Stem specific density (SSD) min:

810 mg/cm³

Reproduction

The reproduction of Calliandra tergeminat is characterized by specific seed morphology, particularly regarding its weight distribution. The production of its seeds exhibits a highly consistent mass profile, with no observed variation between individual specimens. The seed mass is uniform, maintaining a mean value of 0.006 g, which is reflected in both its maximum and minimum recorded measurements of 0.006 g. This lack of deviation in seed mass suggests a highly standardized reproductive output for the species.

Seed mass mean:

0.006 g

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Activities

Calliandra tergemina has 2 reported activities identified across 0 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported activities include Antibacterial, Antioxidant.

Antibacterial

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine

Antioxidant

1. BMC complementary and alternative medicine