Iridescent red and green flowers make Mangles Kangaroo Paw one of Australia's most recognised wildflowers. It is a rhizotomous perennial with long, grey-green linear leaves up to 60 cm long. The leaves extend from a central point at ground level. Its fantastically shaped red and green flowers appear at the end of long stalks in Spring. These stalks can reach a height of over 1m from the base. The flowers open in sequence from the lowest point and spent flower-stalks may remain on the plant well after their colour has faded. Flowers are tubular and elongated, the tips of the 6 fused petals bending back when open to reveal the 6 stamens. Flowers contain nectar that is a food source for many birds, who in turn act as pollinators for the flowers.
In November 1960, Anigozanthos manglesii was adopted as the floral emblem of Western Australia.
Flowering start in August and ends in November.
Identification
The main flower colour is red. Iridescent red and green flowers.
Uses
Widely used in cultivation, and many cultivars have been developed to meet specific horticultural requirements. They are also often used as cut flowers due to their unique appearance and lasting qualities.
References
http://florabase.dpaw.wa.gov.au/browse/profile/1411Created: 08 Jun 2014 - Member - John and Val
Updated: 02 Feb 2015 - Member - John and Val
WildflowerID | 349 |
---|
Views (per week) | 31 |
---|
Views | 16991 |
---|