Red-and-green kangaroo paw
Anigozanthos manglesii, family Haemodoraceae
In its own language: kurulbrang
The red and green floral emblem of Western Australia
Red-and-green kangaroo paw is a perennial plant native to Western Australia, known for its tall stalks and striking red and green flowers. It is the floral emblem of Western Australia and is valued as a cut flower for its unique form and lasting colour.
- Floral emblem of Western Australia since 1960
- Tall stalks with red and green tubular flowers
- Protected species; wild collection requires a license
- Popular as a long-lasting cut flower
- Appears on Western Australian coat of arms and stamps
What does Red-and-green kangaroo paw look like?
Red-and-green kangaroo paw is a rhizome-forming perennial with long, narrow grey-green leaves that grow in a fan from the base, reaching 30 to 60 cm. Its flower stalks stand up to 1.2 metres tall, each topped with tubular flowers. The flowers are striking, with a red stalk and green tepals, and open in sequence from the base upwards. The spent stalks can remain after flowering.
Where does Red-and-green kangaroo paw come from?
This species is native to the southwest of Western Australia, where it grows in sandy or sandy-loam soils. It is found from the Geraldton Sandplains and Swan Coastal Plain near Perth, south through the Jarrah Forest and Warren region, and inland to the Avon Wheatbelt. First described in 1834 from a plant grown in England from Swan River seed, it has become a symbol of Western Australia and is protected by law.
When and how Red-and-green kangaroo paw blooms
Red-and-green kangaroo paw blooms from August to November. It grows from seed and prefers temperate climates with well-drained sandy soils. In gardens outside its native range, it may need winter protection or be grown under glass. Plants are often treated as biennials, as they tend to decline after two years. The flowers are valued for cutting due to their unusual shape and lasting colour.
How Red-and-green kangaroo paw is used
This plant is widely used as a cut flower and is popular in gardens for its dramatic appearance. It is the official floral emblem of Western Australia and appears in state symbols and stamps. Collection from the wild requires a license, as it is protected under state law, though it is not considered threatened.
Kinds of Red-and-green kangaroo paw
Two subspecies are recognised: subsp. quadrans, found as far north as Shark Bay, and subsp. manglesii, which ranges from Gingin to Cape Leeuwin. Natural hybrids occur with other Anigozanthos species, and cultivars have been bred by crossing with related species such as A. flavidus and A. rufus.
What Red-and-green kangaroo paw means
Chosen as Western Australia's floral emblem in 1960, the red-and-green kangaroo paw is a symbol of the state's identity. It features in the state’s coat of arms and has appeared on Australian postage stamps. Its unique look has made it a regional icon and a subject in art and design.
Traditions that use it
Where to see Red-and-green kangaroo paw
Questions people ask about Red-and-green kangaroo paw
Where does the red-and-green kangaroo paw come from?
It is native to the southwest of Western Australia, growing in sandy soils from the Geraldton Sandplains and Swan Coastal Plain to the Jarrah Forest, Warren region, and Avon Wheatbelt.
What does the red-and-green kangaroo paw look like?
It has long, narrow grey-green leaves and tall stalks up to 1.2 metres, topped with tubular flowers that are red at the base and green at the tips.
What is the red-and-green kangaroo paw used for?
It is widely used as a cut flower, valued for its unique appearance and lasting colour, and is also grown in gardens. It is the floral emblem of Western Australia.
Is the red-and-green kangaroo paw protected?
Yes, it is protected under Western Australian law. Collecting it from the wild requires a license, though it is not considered threatened.
Are there different types of red-and-green kangaroo paw?
There are two subspecies and several natural hybrids with related species. Cultivars have also been developed by crossing with other Anigozanthos species.
Good reading and sources
- Western Australia - Floral EmblemsAustralian National Botanic Gardens, Article
- Plants of the World OnlineRoyal Botanic Gardens, Kew, Plant database
- Where it has been recordedGBIF, Plant database
- Sightings and photos by naturalistsiNaturalist, Plant database
- Anigozanthos manglesii on WikipediaEncyclopedia
- More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
- Wikidata recordOpen data
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Anigozanthos manglesii", written by its contributors and used under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Phool rewrote the text in its own words, with AI assistance, and compares every page with the article to make sure no passage is copied. It may be reused under the same CC BY-SA 4.0 licence with a link back.
It may contain mistakes. It is not medical or foraging advice: many flowers are poisonous, and traditional uses are reported, not recommended. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-03.
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