Calliandra (Leguminosae)
This genus contains around 200 species of evergreen trees, shrubs, and perennials, some of which are similar in appearance to Acacia (mimosa). They originate in tropical and subtropical America, India, Madagascar, and west Africa. In addition to C. californica, a number of other species are good for dry gardens, and bear a variety of flower colours from white to crimson. Calliandra marginata is tall, with pink or red flowers, while low-growing, spreading C.eriophylla has pinkish purple flowers. Calliandra surinamensis, with its white or pale lilac flowers, seems to be particularly drought tolerant, and C.tweedii, with its scarlet flowers, can be clipped as a hedge.