Red Calliandra (Calliandra calothyrsus)

Family: Fabaceae | Edibility: Edible (1/5)

Often cultivated as companion crop and to improve soil conditions, Red Calliandra or Calliandr calothyrsus is a fast-growing, thornless shrub that grows around 5-6 m high. It is multi-stemmed and its leaves contain high levels of tannins. It is also planted as green manure. The wood is used as firewood, fuel, and for charcoal-making. Other names include Powderpuff and Kaliandra.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

None known. — Harvested fresh in season according to PFAF botanical monograph.

Habitat & North American Range

Secondary vegetation, often in thickets. It is an aggressive colonizer on disturbed sites such as recent landslides and roadsides. Dry to wet thickets, often on steep open slopes, at elevations of 300 - 1,800 metres. (Zone 10)