Kangaroo paw
Unusual tubular flowers from south-western Australia, shaped like a kangaroo’s paw
Kangaroo paw refers to several species in two plant genera found in south-western Australia. These perennials have hairy, tubular blooms that split into six pointed parts, giving them a claw-like look. Grown for their striking flowers, they are used in gardens and as cut flowers, and have become popular in places like Japan, Israel, and the United States.
- Flowers split into six claw-like parts, resembling a kangaroo’s paw
- Native to south-western Australia and grown worldwide as an ornamental
- Red and green kangaroo paw is the floral emblem of Western Australia
- Comes in many colors, including new blue and purple varieties
- Popular as a cut flower in gardens and floral arrangements
What does Kangaroo paw look like?
Kangaroo paw plants grow from underground rhizomes and produce upright stems topped with clusters of tubular flowers. Each flower is covered in fine hairs and splits at the tip into six narrow parts that curve outward, resembling the toes of a kangaroo’s paw. The blooms come in a wide range of colors, including red, green, yellow, orange, pink, purple, blue, and white, and are known for attracting birds.
Where does Kangaroo paw come from?
These plants are native to the south-west corner of Western Australia, stretching from the Murchison River down to Busselton and Mount Barker, and east to Lake Muir. French botanist Jacques-Julien Houtou de Labillardière first collected a specimen near Esperance in 1792. The red and green kangaroo paw was introduced to England in the early 1800s and later became the floral emblem of Western Australia. Over time, kangaroo paw species have been cultivated in other countries as ornamental plants.
When and how Kangaroo paw blooms
Kangaroo paws grow best in subtropical to Mediterranean climates, often from rhizomes. In Israel, they are raised from tissue culture in greenhouses. In Japan, especially on Okinawa Island, they are grown as a new ornamental crop. The plants are also popular in California gardens and are developed for use as cut flowers. Breeding programs have produced new flower colors and improved disease resistance.
How Kangaroo paw is used
Gardeners value kangaroo paw for its unusual flower shape and bright colors, making it a favorite for both garden beds and floral arrangements. The plant is also a symbol of Western Australia and has appeared on postage stamps. In some places, it is grown commercially for export as a cut flower. Research is ongoing into its genetics and potential uses.
Kinds of Kangaroo paw
There are many species and varieties, including the red-and-green kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos manglesii), tall kangaroo paw (A. flavidus), golden kangaroo paw (A. pulcherrimus), black kangaroo paw (Macropidia fuliginosa), and little kangaroo paw (A. bicolor). Breeding has led to new colors such as blue and purple. Related plants called cat’s paws are also found in the same region.
What Kangaroo paw means
The red and green kangaroo paw is the official floral emblem of Western Australia, chosen in 1960. Its image has been used on stamps and is linked to the identity of the region. The plant’s unique shape and colors have inspired breeding and research programs, and it remains a symbol of local wildlife and landscape.
Questions people ask about Kangaroo paw
Where do kangaroo paw plants come from?
Kangaroo paw species originate from the south-west region of Western Australia, where they grow wild in a range stretching from the Murchison River to Mount Barker and Lake Muir.
What do kangaroo paw flowers look like?
The flowers are tubular, covered in fine hairs, and split at the tip into six narrow, curved parts, giving them a claw-like appearance similar to a kangaroo’s paw. They come in many bright colors.
How are kangaroo paw plants used?
They are grown in gardens for their unusual blooms and are also cultivated as cut flowers for arrangements. The red and green kangaroo paw is the floral emblem of Western Australia.
Are there different types of kangaroo paw?
Yes, there are several species and varieties, such as red-and-green, tall, golden, black, and little kangaroo paw. Breeding has produced new color forms, including blue and purple.
What is the cultural significance of kangaroo paw?
The red and green kangaroo paw is a symbol of Western Australia and features on state emblems and stamps, reflecting its importance to the region’s identity.
Good reading and sources
The facts on this page come from the Wikipedia article "Kangaroo paw", 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.
More from Australia
All the flowers of Australia
AlmondPrunus amygdalus
A Mediterranean tree grown for its fragrant spring flowers and edible seeds
🇮🇷 Iran and 6 more · Flowering tree
FennelFoeniculum vulgare
A tall, aromatic herb with feathery leaves and yellow umbels, used for food and spice
🇨🇳 China and 7 more · Herb or useful flower
RosemarySalvia rosmarinus
A fragrant evergreen shrub with needle-like leaves and purple, blue, or white flowers
🇪🇸 Spain and 5 more · Flowering shrub
Eucalyptus
The tall, aromatic trees and shrubs known as gum trees or eucalypts
🇦🇺 Australia and 7 more · Flowering tree