Red and Green Kangaroo Paw

Amid the dry, sun-soaked landscapes of Western Australia blooms a plant so vibrant, so otherworldly, that it looks more like something imagined than grown. The Red and Green Kangaroo Paw (Anigozanthos manglesii) is not only a botanical marvel—it’s a cultural icon, a symbol of wild resilience, and an unforgettable splash of color in a rugged landscape.The name “Kangaroo Paw” might sound quirky at first, but once you see the plant in bloom, it makes perfect sense. The tubular flowers, covered in velvety hairs, split open at the tip to resemble an animal’s paw. This unique structure, combined with vivid coloring, gives the plant an alien-like appearance that’s equally exotic and beautiful.

This bold combination is visually stunning and highly symbolic—it’s the official floral emblem of Western Australia, chosen in 1960 to represent the state’s wild beauty and botanical uniqueness.The Red and Green Kangaroo Paw is endemic to Western Australia, meaning it’s found nowhere else in the wild. It thrives in the region’s sandy soils, particularly in open forest, scrublands, and roadside verges between Shark Bay and Albany. These areas experience dry summers and mild, wet winters—ideal conditions for this drought-tolerant species.

Flowering occurs primarily in spring (August to November), when entire fields can erupt with the fiery hues of Kangaroo Paws swaying gently in the breeze.Long, tubular, and velvety, branching atop tall stalks, shaped like a kangaroo’s paw.Specially adapted for bird pollination, particularly honeyeaters.One of the most fascinating aspects of the Kangaroo Paw is its relationship with native birds. The tubular flowers are perfectly suited to long-beaked nectar-feeders like honeyeaters, which help pollinate the plant while feeding—it's a beautiful example of co-evolution.

Anigozanthos manglesii was first described in 1833 and named after Robert Mangles, an early settler and plant enthusiast who cultivated the species in England. It quickly became popular with European gardeners thanks to its exotic form and color.As a symbol, the Red and Green Kangaroo Paw represents endurance, uniqueness, and pride in Australian flora. It’s a frequent feature in Aboriginal art, floral designs, and public landscaping. It has even inspired textiles and architecture with its distinctive form.