Anigozanthos

Family. Haemodoraceae.

Origin. South Western Australia.

Description. The genus Anigozanthos or "kangaroo paw" contains 11 species of evergreen perennials with shaggy flowers in the shape of an animal's paw. The size, height of the peduncle and stem, and the shade of the flowers vary between species. Many new forms have arisen through deliberate hybridization. The leaves are lush, dark green, usually about 30-60 centimeters long. The general shade of the flowers depends on the small colored hairs that cover the buds and sometimes part of the stem. There are varieties with yellowish-green, bright green with a red base, yellow with red threads, red and red hairs.

The appearance allows us to recognize the similarity of the flower with the hairy foot of a kangaroo. The flowers are pollinated by birds and are odorless up to 10 centimeters in length. The flower stalks tend to rise above the leaves and indicate the presence of nectar to insects. The flowers are clustered at the ends of the branches, are 3-4.5 cm long, tubular and have six pointed petals. The seed pods have three chambers. The fruits, containing small seeds, are grayish-brown or black.

Height. Up to 1 m.

Home care

Temperature conditions

Most species go dormant during the winter (some die) and it is important to keep them dry during this time. In summer, the usual room temperature is 20 - 22° C.

Reproduction

Quite difficult. Usually propagated by seeds in spring or summer. Young seedlings bloom within a year. You can also carefully divide an adult bush in early summer.

Lighting

Anigozanthos loves light; light shade is possible only in extreme summer heat.

Care

Remove old stems and leaves in a timely manner, as close to the base as possible. 

Soil

Light, well-drained, slightly acidic soils. 

Feeding

You can fertilize with a slow-release fertilizer around the base of the plant in the fall and spring.

Purpose

A decorative flowering species with an unusual and extremely attractive appearance.

Flowering time

Throughout the summer, until mid-autumn.

Air humidity

No special requirements.

Watering

During the growing season, water plants that are resistant to drought abundantly; during the winter dormant period, reduce watering or stop it altogether. 

Transfer

Anigozanthos does not like replanting, so try to do it only when necessary - if the root system becomes cramped in the pot or the substrate needs to be changed.

Pests and diseases

The main disease is a fungus that causes large black spots to appear on the leaves; it occurs when there is high humidity.

It is rarely damaged by pests; sometimes thrips, aphids, spider mites and mealybugs can be seen on plants.

Note

The velvety hairs on the flowers can irritate the skin and eyes upon contact. The plant is very popular for creating flower arrangements and for cutting. Anigozanthos extract is added to shampoos and conditioners. 

Varieties: 

Anigozanthos humilis

This species is characterized by its miniature size. The leaves are belt-shaped, emerald green, up to 30 cm long, collected in a basal rosette. Peduncles are vertical, leafless. The flowers are predominantly orange, yellow and sometimes red. During the dormant period, the entire aerial part of Anigozanthos squat often dies off. 

Anigozanthos manglesii

An herbaceous evergreen plant up to 1 m high. Anigozanthos Mangles has thin, erect peduncles, at the top of which there are bright, red-green tubular flowers. Probably the most attractive species of anigozanthos.