|
|
 Cut Flower
Kangaroo
paw
BOTANICAL NAME
Anigozanthos spp. (a-nee-go-ZAN-thus)
COMMON NAME
Kangaroo paw
DESCRIPTION
Kangaroo paws produce clusters of woolly, flattened, tubular
blossoms that are 1 to 3 inches long. Their reflexed lips and
fuzzy texture give them a resemblance to kangaroo toes. The size
of the florets, stem heights and flower colors will vary
depending on species and cultivars.
COLORS
Anigozanthos varieties are available in red, pink, burgundy,
orange, yellow, golden yellow, red/green, yellow/green,
purple/green, black/green, yellow/orange and red/black.
VASE LIFE
Kangaroo paws can last for eight to 25 days.
 VARIETIES
Here are some popular varieties of kangaroo paws.
• ‘Amber Velvet’, large orange flowers
• ‘Big Red’, bright red flowers
• ‘Bush Dawn’, yellow flowers
• ‘Bush Devil’, red flowers on red stems
• ‘Bush Games’, green and red flowers
• ‘Bush Garnet’, burgundy red flowers
• ‘Bush Gold’, golden yellow flowers
• ‘Bush Pearl’, dwarf variety, pink flowers
• ‘Bush Ranger’, dwarf variety, red flowers on red stems
• ‘Bush Sunset’, dark red flowers
• ‘Bush Tango’, golden yellow flowers
• ‘Gold Velvet’, large gold flowers
• ‘Harmony’, yellow flowers with red stems
• ‘Orange Cross’, orange flowers
• ‘Pink Joey’, dwarf variety, pink flowers
• ‘Red Cross’, burgundy red flowers
• ‘Regal Claw’, orange-red flowers
• ‘Regal Velvet’, small green and red flowers
AVAILABILITY
Kangaroo paws are available year-round.
VASE-LIFE EXTENDERS
REFRIGERATION Kangaroo paws
are somewhat chill sensitive. Store them in floral coolers at 36
F to 38 F. Provide good air circulation, high humidity, light
and flower food.
ETHYLENE SENSITIVITY
Kangaroo paws are slightly sensitive to ethylene gas.
QUALITY CHECKLIST
BLOOMS When choosing
kangaroo paws, look to see that the first one or two flowers per
stem are open. If flowers are too tight, they may not open
completely. Watch for any signs of wilt, blossom drop, rot or
mold when making selections.
FUN FACTS
MEANING Anigozanthos comes
from the Greek words “anoigo” (to open) and “anthos” (flower),
referring to the widely open flowers.
FAMILY Anigozanthoses are
members of the Haemodoraceae, or bloodwort, family. Close
relatives include Conostyles, Lachnanthes and Xiphidiums.
ORIGINS Anigozanthoses are
natives of Australia, where they inhabit moist areas of open
forests in the Southwest.
HISTORY Anigozanthos
manglesii is the state floral emblem of Western Australia. The
flower appears on the crest of all government departments and
many government publications.
 OF
NOTE
DESIGN TIPS Kangaroo paws
dry well for use in long-lasting designs. Allow them to dry in
the vase gradually, or hang them upside down in a
well-ventilated area for about two weeks.
Some information provided by:
San Marcos Growers,
www.smgrowers.com/index.asp
The Chain of Life NetworkÆ,
www.chainoflifenetwork.org
You may reach “Cut Flower of the Month” writer Steven W. Brown,
AIFD, at sbfloral@aol.com
or by phone at (415) 239-3140.
Images courtesy of the California Cut Flower Commission and
the Flower Council of Holland
To enjoy the rest of this
issue, please go to the
Subscriptions page and get your
copy of Super Floral Retailing today!!!
|
|
|
 |
|
Super Floral Retailing • Copyright 2006
Florists' Review Enterprises, Inc.
Site management by
Tier One Media | |
