Anigozanthos manglesii

Distribution

The species is widely distributed throughout the Southwest Australian biogeographic regions, preferring white, yellow or grey sand, or sandy loam. The occurrence is confirmed in the northernmost part of its range in the Geraldton Sandplains and the Swan Coastal Plain near Perth. Extensive records also exist of occurrence in Jarrah Forest and Warren region to the south, but not reaching the southern coasts. It extends inland to the Avon Wheatbelt.

Taxonomy

The species was first described by a Scottish botanist David Don in 1834 from the type specimen:

This singularly beautiful species of Anigozanthos was raised in the garden at Whitmore Lodge, Berks., the seat of Robert Mangles, Esq. from seeds brought from Swan River by Sir James Stirling, the enterprising governor of that colony, by whom they had been presented to Mr. Mangles.

There are two recognised subspecies as follows:

• Anigozanthos manglesii subsp. quadrans Hopper

Distribution of the subspecies is as far north as Shark Bay, variation in habit and structure of the subspecies is otherwise discrete.

• Anigozanthos manglesii D.Don subsp. manglesii

Wide occurrence as far north as Gingin and to Cape Leeuwin in the south.

Anigozanthos manglesii is known to hybridize naturally with other Anigozanthos species:

• A. viridis – progeny have been named Anigozanthos manglesii var. × angustifolius Lindl. and Anigozanthos manglesii var. × virescens Ostenf.
• A. bicolor
• A. kalbarriensis
• A. humilis

Cultivars

Anigozanthos manglesii is often artificially hybridized with A. flavidus and to a lesser extent A. rufus. Cultivars include:

• Autumn Mystery - A. manglesii x A. flavidus
• Big Red - A. manglesii x A. flavidus
• Bush Emerald - A. manglesii x A. flavidus
• Hickman's Delight - A. manglesii x A. flavidus
• Rogue Radiance - (A. manglesii x A. rufus) x A. flavidus
• Space Age - A manglesii x A. flavidus
• Sue Dixon - (A. manglesii x A. rufus) x A. flavidus

Cultivation

In temperate regions this plant is either grown under glass or outdoors with the winter protection of a mulch. The species germinates readily from seed. As plants generally deteriorate after the second season, they are best treated as biennial. Watering should be withheld during the dormant period. They are susceptible to fungal ink spot disease and the leaves are attractive to snails. They are often used as cut flowers, due to their unique appearance and lasting qualities.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

Symbolic and artistic references

In November 1960, Anigozanthos manglesii was adopted as the floral emblem of Western Australia in a proclamation made by the premier of Western Australia David Brand.

It also appears on the armorial bearings of that state, framing the crown in the coat of arms. This is given to denote the sovereignty and independence of Western Australia. The blazon reads:

And for Crest: On a Wreath Or and Sable The Royal Crown between two Kangaroo Paw (Anigosanthos [sic] Manglesii) flowers slipped proper.

A red and green kangaroo paw superimposed over a scene of Perth was depicted on a five pence on a 1962 Australian stamp issue designed by R. M. Warner to mark the British Empire and Commonwealth Games held in Perth that year. In 1968 another stamp issue, designed by Nell Wilson, showed the red and green kangaroo paw as part of a series on state floral emblems.