Anigozanthos rufus (Red Kangaroo Paw)

Native to southern Western Australia, this clump-forming perennial herb grows from underground rhizomes and reaches about 3 feet tall. It occurs on sandy soils in seasonally wet areas. Dense colored hairs give the curved flower tubes their red or purplish appearance; yellow forms also occur. In Australia, flowering runs from late winter through summer. Nectar-feeding birds pollinate the flowers, collecting pollen on their heads as they feed. The long-lasting flower stems are used in arrangements. An orange-flowered selection, Kings Park Federation Flame, was chosen as a floral emblem for Australia’s Centenary of Federation. Photographed in Bogotá, Colombia.