Anigozanthos flavidus (Kangaroo Paws)

Native to southwestern Western Australia, this evergreen perennial herb forms clumps with branching flower stems up to about 6½ feet tall. Underground rhizomes allow it to resprout after fire or drought. Its tubular, velvety flowers are usually yellow-green, with red, orange, and pink forms also occurring. Nectar-feeding birds carry pollen on their heads as they visit the flowers. The stems are used in fresh and dried arrangements. Flower hairs can irritate the skin and eyes. It has naturalized in Colombia and is locally invasive around Kleinmond in South Africa. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.