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Common name: Black Kangaroo Paw
Family: HAEMODORACEAE
Origin of Scientific Name
Macropidia - (Greek) macros - large, and podos - foot; referring to the kangaroo genus Macropus.
fuliginosa - (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 0.6-1.8 m in height. It dies back to a rhizome over summer. Classed as perennial, one plant can live for up to 30 years.
The Black Kangaroo Paw is found solely in Western Australia, slightly inland from the west coast, from just north of Perth to south of Geraldton, on low heath with mallee populations.
Horticultural tips
- Can be grown from seed or divided from rhizomes.
- Plant in full sunlight, in warm to hot conditions.
- Prefers well-drained, sandy soil.
- Appreciates regular watering and responds well to fertilisers specifically for Australian native plants (low phosphates).
For more horticultural tips view our Plant Notes section.
View in Kings Park
Visit Kings Park and Botanic Garden to see Macropidia fuliginosa in the garden beds at the entry to the Western Australian Botanic Garden, and the Kangaroo Paw and Wax Garden bed opposite the Pioneer Women’s Memorial Fountain.
Want more information?
Refer to the profile for this plant on the Department of Biodiversity, Conservation and Attractions' FloraBase online herbarium.
