of this roset merge long leafless stalks, which can reach 2 m, ending in a raceme of flowers. The size and height of these stalks, which can be clothed in coloured hairs, varies between the species. The tuberous flower buds are also covered with coloured hairs, giving it a velvety aspect. These long furry hairs also determine the colour of the flower, which may range from almost black to yellow, orange and red. Some species are even dichromatic (as Anigozanthos manglesii). The tubular form of the flower bud resembles a kangaroo paw, hence its name. The flower tip spreads fanlike into six petals. Full-grown plants can have up to ten flowers at the end of each stalk. Species The genus comprises 11 species, some species with subspecies recognised by FloraBase as rare or endangered taxa. Anigozanthos bicolor Endl. (little kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos bicolor ssp. bicolor (two-coloured kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos bicolor ssp. decrescens Anigozanthos bicolor ssp. exstans Anigozanthos bicolor ssp. minor Anigozanthos flavidus DC. (tall kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos gabrielae Domin (dwarf kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos humilis Anigozanthos humilis ssp. humilis (common catspaw) Anigozanthos humilis ssp. chrysanthus (Mogumber catspaw) Anigozanthos humilis ssp. grandis (tall catspaw) Anigozanthos kalbarriensis (Kalbarri catspaw) Anigozanthos manglesii D.Don (red-and-green kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos manglesii ssp. manglesii Anigozanthos manglesii ssp. quadrans Anigozanthos onycis (branched catspaw) Anigozanthos preissii (Albany catspaw) Anigozanthos pulcherrimus Hook. (golden kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos rufus Labill. (red kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos viridis Endl. Anigozanthos viridis subsp. viridis (green kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos viridis subsp. terraspectans Hopper (dwarf green kangaroo paw) Anigozanthos viridis subsp. metallica (metallic green kangaroo paw) Commercial hybrids The popularity of Anigozanthos, as a garden plant or commercially produced cut-flower, has led to the development of cultivars. The Australian Cultivar Registration Authority lists twenty seven registered names and descriptions of cultivars derived from the genus. A larger number of patents for these, accepted or granted 'varieties', are recorded in the Plant breeders' rights database. Gallery References External links Western Australian Herbarium: Anigozanthos Department of Environment and Conservation Commelinales of Australia Angiosperms of Western Australia Commelinales genera