Description Germplasm Distribution Ecology Cultivation Harvesting Yields and Economics Energy Biotic Factors References Uses Calliandra is unusually promising as a firewood source because of its excellent coppicing ability and very quick growth. Even when harvested on such short rotations, it produces a sizable yield of branch wood that makes good household fuel. Like many other genera favored for charcoal making, Calliandra often travels under the Spanish name of 'carbonaria' or 'carbonero'. Indonesians use the tree to supress Imperata, and to make firebreaks. Livestock relish the leaves of this good fodder crop, grown with elephant grass in large areas previously unable to support any crop.
Honey produced by bees foraging on Calliandra has a bittersweet flavor.
The species grows very quickly, its dense foliage provides ground cover, and its extensive and deep root system makes Calliandra particularly suitable for erosion control on slopes and for rejuvenating degraded soils. By nitrogen fixation and litter production, Calliandra improves soil quality and productivity. Farmers in East Java sometimes rotate agricultural crops with Calliandra plantations. The root bark has been sold in Mexico under the name 'pambotani'. No toxic components have been found so far, although tannin levels are high.