Calliandra portoricensis is a large shrub or small tree with an open habit.
It is native to Mexico, Panama and the West Indies.
During spring it produces delicate, fluffy white flowers.
What we see are the white stamens, it is these that give the flowerhead their fluffy snowball appearance, the petals are very small and inconspicuous.
The small bipinnate leaves have a feathery appearance.
Calliandra portoricensis makes an attractive addition to garden borders in the tropics and sub-tropics. In cooler climates it can be grown in glasshouses.