Plant · P-1157

Calliandra

Calliandra houstoniana

Calliandra is a fast-growing, thornless, nitrogen-fixing shrub from Central America, grown throughout the humid tropics as a fodder hedge that is cut back every few months and resprouts vigorously. Almost all of its feeding value belongs to one particular variety grown for fodder and firewood, not the showier ornamental form sold under the same species name, so a plant bought for its flowers will not deliver these yields. The leaves carry high protein but also heavy tannins, which make them valuable forage for cattle and goats yet unsuitable for pigs and poultry. The wood burns hot and fast into good firewood and charcoal, and the flowers draw honeybees for a strong nectar flow.