Kangaroo paw

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How to read a taxobox
Kangaroo paw
Anigozanthos manglesii
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Division: Magnoliophyta
Class: Liliopsida
Order: Commelinales
Family: Haemodoraceae

Kangaroo paw is a common name for a number of species in the family Haemodoraceae that are endemic to the South west of Western Australia. These perennial plants are noted for the unique bird attracting flowers. The tubular flowers are coated with dense hairs and open at the apex with 6 claw like structures, from this paw formation the name Kangaroo Paw is derived.

Paw like feature of the flower
Paw like feature of the flower

From the genus Anigozanthos these include:

  • Anigozanthos bicolor Endl. (Little Kangaroo Paw)
  • Anigozanthos flavidus DC. (Tall Kangaroo Paw)
    • This species is found in extreme south western corner of Western Australia and is the most robust species. It adapts well to a variety of soil and weather conditions as is extensively by the horitcultural industry to develope hybrids. The flower stems can grow to over 1.5 metres with abundant flowers being green/yellow.
  • Anigozanthos gabrielae Domin (Dwarf Kangaroo Paw)
  • Anigozanthos manglesii D.Don (Mangles Kangaroo Paw)
  • Anigozanthos pulcherrimus Hook. (Yellow Kangaroo Paw)
    • This species flowers later spring, early summer with golden yellow flowers on stem to 1.2 metres, found naturally on the sand plains between Perth and Geraldton.
  • Anigozanthos rufus Labill. (Red Kangaroo Paw)
  • Anigozanthos viridis Endl. (Green Kangaroo Paw)
    • Anigozanthos viridis subsp. terraspectans Hopper (Dwarf Green Kangaroo Paw)

From the genus Macropidia:

  • Macropidia fuliginosa (Hook.) Druce (Black Kangaroo Paw)

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