Kangaroo Paw

~ Anigozanthos manglesii ~

HAEMODORACEAE

The iconic Kangaroo Paws of the Anigozanthos genus are all endemic to Australia and have grown their clique to include a huge range of incredibly stunning hybrids that adorn garden spaces across the country. I wish I could illustrate them all as there are some wicked colour combos. Kangaroo Paws are known to be visited by birds who are more effective Paw pollinators than their popular bee friends. To reach the pocket of nectar, they poke their beaks under the anthers, coating their heads in pollen ready to be gifted to another flower. The felty stems of the Kangaroo Paw are often delicately clutched by the New Holland Honeyeater (Phylidonyris novaehollandiae) as it perches and sips nectar from the long tubes.

WHERE TO LOOK

This red and green Kangaroo Paw enjoys the sandy soils on the south-western coast of Noongar Country, Western Australia. It congregates in the familiar wildflower hotspots of the Darling Scarp, Geraldton Sandplains, Swan Coastal Plain near Perth, Jarrah Forest and inland to the Avon Wheatbelt. It can be found in the company of its genus friends, including the Cat’s Paw (see p. 143) as well as the Parrot Bush (see p. 137).

Locations → WA: Kings Park and Botanic Garden, John Forrest National Park, Gnangara-Moore River State Forest, Watheroo National Park, Lesueur National Park Loop Walk Trail and Kalbarri National Park.

FEATURES

This Kangaroo Paw produces a clump of long, strappy leaves growing 10–50cm arising from an underground rhizome. The flower spike is 30–100cm (sometimes branched) and features an eccentric 6–10cm green velvety flower with a prominent red velvety base. They are tubular, claw-like structures, clustered on one side. Several seeds are held within a three chambered ‘fruiting’ capsule.

FLOWERING SEASON

Spring → These perennial paws can be seen from August to November, peaking in September.

PLANTING

Kangaroo Paws enjoy full sun and a well-draining sandy soil. Seeds will most likely need a pre-treatment and, according to Growing Australian Native Plants from Seed, Anigozanthos manglesii has shown good germination results after being treated with dry heat in an oven on 100°C for three hours. Plants and seeds are available from specialty nurseries with a wide range of cultivars available if Anigozanthos manglesii is scarce. While it’s establishing, give it extra water twice a week for the first month, then once a week for the next month and then the occasional top up during summer or when needed. Water at the base of the plant as its leaves and flowers don’t like getting wet.