Calliandra riparia

Native to Colombia, Venezuela, and Guyana, this perennial shrub or small tree grows about 5 to 20 feet tall. Its spreading, nearly horizontal branches can form a flat-topped crown. The compound leaves have paired branches bearing oblong leaflets. Rounded flower heads have long stamens that are white at the base and pink to purple toward their tips. It grows in seasonally dry tropical habitats, including forests, savannas, and shrublands. Colombian records range from near sea level to about 4,400 feet. Grown as an ornamental, it has become naturalized in the Bahamas, Brazil, and Bolivia. Photographed in Florida.