October 2010

Macropidia fuliginosa

Common name: Black Kangaroo Paw.

Family: HAEMODORACEAE (14 Genera)

Origin of Scientific Name

Macropidia - from the Greek macros = large + podos = foot, referring to the kangaroo genus Macropus.

fuliginosa - from the Latin fuligo = soot, referring to the black colouration.

Description

A plain and unassuming, strappy-leaved plant outside flowering season, Macropidia fuliginosa is transformed during winter and spring, by the rare (in Australian native plants) colour combination of lime-green and black flowers on stalks reaching from 0.6 to 1.8 metres in height.

Distribution

Found solely in Western Australia, slightly inland from the west coast, just south of Geraldton in the north to just north of Perth in the south, on low heath and with mallee populations. Refer to the distribution map for this species via the Department of Environment and Conservation's FloraBase online herbarium.

Growing Season

Flowering between August and December, it dies back to a rhizome over summer. Classed as perennial, one plant can live for up to 30 years.

Cultivation/Propagation

Plant in full sunlight, in warm to hot conditions. Although it appreciates regular watering, it prefers well-drained (sandy) soil. It responds well to fertilsers specifically for Australian native plants (low phosphates). It can be successfully grown from seed or divided from rhizomes. Prune back hard after flowering.

Pests and Diseases

Commonly affected by the fungal disease, ink spot. Young seedlings are particularly appealing to snails and slugs.

View In Kings Park

In the garden beds at the entry to the Western Australian Botanic Garden, opposite Roe Memorial in Roe Gardens and in the garden beds surrounding Zamia Cafe. To help locate these sites, you may download the Western Australian Botanic Garden Guide brochure via our brochures page.