Anigozanthos manglesii aka Mangles's Kangaroo Paw

Taxonomy

Genus Anigozanthos Family Haemodoraceae Order Commelinales Class Liliopsida Phylum Tracheophyta
Anigozanthos manglesii, also known as the red-and-green kangaroo paw or Mangles' kangaroo paw, is an evergreen perennial plant species that is endemic to Western Australia. It is recognized as the floral emblem of the state and has become symbolic of the region. The plant displays remarkable flowers between August and November, particularly in urban and coastal areas. It stands tall with its erect, red-hairy stems reaching up to 1.2 meters and bears racemes of 2-lipped, tubular flowers that can range from greenish-yellow to dark green in color. These unique flowers can grow up to 8 centimeters in length. Anigozanthos manglesii is not currently threatened, but it is protected under state legislation, requiring a license for collection from the wild. It is highly sought after as a cut flower due to its striking colors and unusual form, which can retain their beauty for a long time. This rhizotomous perennial plant forms tufts of narrow, grey-green linear leaves that can reach around 30 to 60 centimeters in length. The leaves emerge from a central point at ground level, while the vibrant red and green flowers appear at the end of long stalks during the specified flowering period.

Common names

Mangles's Kangaroo Paw, Red And Green Kangaroo Paw

How to care for Mangles's Kangaroo Paw

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Mangles's Kangaroo Paw is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Mangles's Kangaroo Paw should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Mangles's Kangaroo Paw loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Mangles's Kangaroo Paw prefers bright indirect light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Mangles's Kangaroo Paw plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

The toxicity level of this plant has not been officially confirmed by Ploi. If there is a possibility of ingestion of plant material with an uncertain toxicity by you, a family member, or a pet, it is advisable to seek the assistance of a medical professional.

More info:
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More Species in Anigozanthos Genus

Anigozanthos flavidus Evergreen Kangaroo Paw

Anigozanthos humilis Cat's Paw

Anigozanthos manglesii Mangles's Kangaroo Paw