Calliandra antioquiae

Endemic to Colombia, this perennial shrub or small tree grows in wet tropical habitats and forms thickets along rocky riverbanks. Its compound leaves have paired branches bearing broad, leathery leaflets. Rounded heads of red flowers develop on short shoots, with long stamens creating a powder-puff appearance. Flattened seed pods split open to scatter their seeds. In Colombia, it occurs between about 360 and 3,300 feet. It is cultivated as an ornamental and is classified as Near Threatened. Photographed in Tayrona, Colombia.