Kangaroo paw

aspect of a Anigozanthos manglesii showing the characteristic of the plant from which its name is derived
Anigozanthos flavidus
Macropidia fuliginosa

Kangaroo paw is the common name for a number of species, in two genera of the family Haemodoraceae, that are native to the south-west of Western Australia. These rhizomatous[1] perennial plants are noted for their unique bird-attracting flowers. The tubular flowers are coated with dense hairs and open at the apex with six claw-like structures which resemble kangaroo forelimbs, and it is from this paw-like formation that the common name "kangaroo paw" is derived.[2]

The kangaroo paw plant has been introduced into Japan and has been grown as a new ornamental crop mainly in Okinawa Island under a subtropical climate.[3]

  1. ^ Churchill, Jennie (9 May 2003). "Fact Sheet: Kangaroo Paws". Gardening Australia. Retrieved 4 June 2017.
  2. ^ "THE KANGAROO PAW". Bridgetown Advocate. Vol. IXX, no. 1020. Western Australia. 12 July 1946. p. 3 (MODERN WEEKLY news magazine). Retrieved 27 September 2020 – via National Library of Australia.
  3. ^ Satou, Ichinoe, Fukumoto, Tezuka, & Horiuchi. (2001). Fusarium blight of kangaroo paw (anigozanthos spp.) caused by fusarium chlamydosporum and fusarium semitectum.Journal of Phytopathology, 149(3‐4), 203-206. doi:10.1046/j.1439-0434.2001.00588.x