Anigozanthos Manglesii
Anigozanthos manglesii D.Don
Anigozanthos manglesii, the red and green kangaroo paw, is the floral emblem of Western Australia. Its striking tubular flowers, covered in vivid red and green velvet-like hairs, are one of Australia's most distinctive and beloved wildflowers.
Haemodoraceae
Late winter to early summer (August to November, dependent on season and location)
Symbolism & Meanings
Key Meanings
Perfect For
Color Meanings
Similar flowers: grevilleas and western prairie lilys also share similar meanings.
Cultural Significance
Anigozanthos manglesii has been the official floral emblem of Western Australia since November 9, 1960, proclaimed under Premier David Brand. It appears on the state's armorial bearings, framing the crown in the coat of arms to denote the sovereignty and independence of Western Australia. It has been called Kurulbrang by the Noongar people, the Aboriginal custodians of south-west Western Australia, who have a deep and ancient connection to this plant and its country. The plant was first introduced to England in 1833 and formally described in 1836 by botanist David Don. It is named in honour of Robert Mangles, an English horticulturalist who successfully cultivated the plant from seed in his English garden in the 1830s, corresponding excitedly about its progress in letters to his brother Captain James Mangles RN. An image of this flower was depicted on an Australian commemorative stamp in 1962 to mark the British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Perth. The genus name Anigozanthos derives from Greek words meaning "unequal" or "oblique" and "flower," referring to the irregular division of the floral lobes.Shop Our Floral Collection
Transform your space with our curated selection of designer floral throw pillows
Visit Full StoreBotanical Information
Physical Characteristics
Natural Habitat
Growing Guide
Sunlight
Full sun
Water
Suited to winter rainfall patterns with dry summers; water supplementally in late winter when buds are forming; avoid summer watering; drought-tolerant once established
Soil
Sandy, Well-drained, Gravelly lateritic, Low nutrient
Expert Growing Tips
Plant in a very well-drained, sandy or sandy-gravelly soil in full sun
Water and fertilise in late winter as the weather warms to support bud formation
Avoid watering during summer dormancy; overwatering leads to rapid decline
Growing in raised garden beds or large containers helps drainage and extends the plant's lifespan
Best treated as a biennial in cultivation, as plants tend to decline after two seasons; replace regularly for consistent displays
Apply snail bait to protect foliage; remove old flower stalks after flowering
Uses & Benefits
Ornamental Uses
- Cut flower for floral arrangements (fresh flowers hold colour well in water; also excellent dried)
- Feature or specimen plant in native and Mediterranean-style gardens
- Container growing in large pots, which helps control conditions
- Used widely on Western Australian state insignia, commercial products, and community group emblems
- Commercially produced for the cut flower trade in Australia, the United States, Japan, and Israel
Further Reading
Frequently Asked Questions about the Anigozanthos Manglesii
Why is kangaroo paw the floral emblem of Western Australia?
Anigozanthos manglesii was proclaimed Western Australia's floral emblem in 1960 because it is endemic to the state and one of its most distinctive and iconic native plants. Its striking red and green colouring and unique paw-shaped form make it instantly recognisable as a symbol of Western Australian natural heritage. It now appears on the state's coat of arms.
What does the kangaroo paw flower symbolize?
The red and green kangaroo paw symbolizes pride, uniqueness, freedom, and the natural beauty of Western Australia. The red colour represents passion and strength, while green represents life and growth. Together they reflect the distinctive identity of Western Australia and its irreplaceable native flora.
How long does kangaroo paw last as a cut flower?
Fresh kangaroo paw flowers are excellent cut flowers, holding their vivid colour well in water. They also retain their colours exceptionally well as dried flowers and are commonly sold in bunches of mixed Western Australian wildflowers. With proper care, fresh stems can last well over a week in a vase.
Is kangaroo paw easy to grow?
Anigozanthos manglesii needs very well-drained sandy soil, full sun, and a dry summer rest period to thrive. In cultivation it is best treated as a biennial as plants tend to decline after two seasons. Growing it in raised beds or large containers, with careful control of summer watering, helps extend its garden life.
What is the Aboriginal name for kangaroo paw?
In the Noongar language of the Aboriginal people of south-west Western Australia, Anigozanthos manglesii is called Kurulbrang. The Noongar people are the traditional custodians of the country where this plant grows naturally.
Available Colors
Quick Facts
Share This Flower
Explore More Beautiful Flowers
Discover other flowers with similar meanings, characteristics, or cultural significance.
Grevillea
Grevillea spp.
Grevillea is a diverse genus of Australian native plants with unique spider-like flowers and needle-like foliage, symbolizing diversity, adaptation, and natural beauty.
Western Prairie Lily
Lilium philadelphicum var. andinum
Western Prairie Lily is one of the most breathtaking native wildflowers of the central North American prairie. Its upward-facing, flame-orange to scarlet-red blooms spotted with deep purple rise above the grassland in early summer, making it the floral emblem of Saskatchewan and a symbol of passionate beauty, rarity, and the soaring spirit of the open land.
Gloriosa Superba
Gloriosa superba
Gloriosa superba is a spectacular climbing lily with flame-like red and yellow flowers, symbolizing passion, pride, and resilience. It's the national flower of Zimbabwe.