Kangaroo paw

taxobox
name = Kangaroo paws

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image_caption = "Anigozanthos manglesii"
regnum = Plantae
unranked_divisio = Angiosperms
unranked_classis = Monocots
unranked_ordo = Commelinids
ordo = Commelinales
familia = 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 their unique bird attracting flowers. The tubular flowers are coated with dense hairs and open at the apex with six claw-like structures: from this paw formation the common name "Kangaroo Paw" is derived.

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 and is used extensively by the horticultural industry to develop 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 in late spring through to early summer with golden yellow flowers on stems to 1.2 metres and is 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)

External links

* [http://www.abc.net.au/gardening/stories/s1315888.htm Gardening Australia Kangaroo paws factsheet]