Calliandra riparia, often called pink powderpuff, is native to northern South America and southern Central America. In gardens it forms a dense, freely branching plant typically 4–12 ft tall, flowering for long periods in full sun to bright partial shade and well-drained soil; it is widely grown in tropical and subtropical parts of the United States (notably Florida and Hawaii) and is popular for containers and bonsai because it tolerates regular pruning and rebounds with new shoots. Inflorescences appear at the tips of young branches as rounded heads about 1.5–2 in across, opening from striped pink buds into many slender filaments that are white at the base and pink toward the tips, creating the characteristic powderpuff effect. The plant is commonly sold in horticulture under the name Calliandra schultzei, including the cultivar ‘Rose Cascade’, but botanical references list Calliandra riparia as the accepted name. Photographed in Florida.