A genus of tropical flowering plants in the legume family, known for their showy, feathery red or pink flower clusters.
From Greek 'kallios' (beautiful) and 'andros' (man/stamen), meaning 'beautiful stamens.' Botanists named this plant for the striking appearance of its reproductive structures.
The flowers of Calliandra are built like explosions of silk threads—they've evolved that dramatic look specifically to attract hummingbirds and certain insects that have become dependent on them for food.
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