Calliandra houstoniana is native to tropical and subtropical regions of Mexico, Central America, and northern South America. It is a perennial shrub that can reach heights of 10–20 ft, developing a rounded crown with multiple branches and thriving in warm, humid environments with high rainfall, though it can adapt to seasonal dry periods. The flowers emerge in dense terminal spikes, with the upper portion composed of tightly packed green buds that open progressively downward, revealing bright red, filamentous stamens that can be over 2 in long, radiating in a brush-like form and tipped with small yellowish anthers. These striking stamens give the inflorescence a feathery appearance and are produced in succession, ensuring a prolonged display. Photographed in Ecuador.