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Description
Anigozanthos Humilis, also known as the Dwarf Kangaroo Paw, is a small but striking plant native to Australia. It belongs to the family Haemodoraceae and is commonly found in the southwest region of Western Australia. The plant gets its name from the shape of its flowers, which resemble the paws of a kangaroo.This perennial herb grows up to 40cm in height and spreads up to 50cm in width. It has narrow, strap-like leaves that are dark green in color and grow up to 20cm in length. The flowers of the Anigozanthos Humilis appear in late winter or early spring and are usually yellow, orange or red in color.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Commelinales |
| Family | Haemodoraceae |
| Genus | Anigozanthos |
Appearance
The Anigozanthos Humilis is a compact plant that produces striking flowers. The leaves are long, narrow and dark green in color, growing from a central clump. The flowers, which are the plant’s main attraction, grow on long stems that emerge from the center of the plant. They are tubular in shape, with six lobes that spread out at the end to form a paw-like shape. The flowers are usually yellow, orange or red in color and can grow up to 5cm in length.
Care Guide
The Anigozanthos Humilis is a relatively easy plant to care for, and can be grown in a variety of conditions. Here are some tips on caring for this plant:Water: Water the plant regularly during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Reduce watering during the winter months.Fertilization: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.Soil: The Anigozanthos Humilis prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic. Add some sand or perlite to the soil to improve drainage.Sunlight: This plant prefers full sun to partial shade.Hardiness Zones: The Anigozanthos Humilis is hardy in USDA Zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Anigozanthos Humilis is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, it can be susceptible to root rot if the soil is too wet. To prevent this, ensure that the soil is well-draining and do not overwater the plant.
Habitat
The Anigozanthos Humilis is native to the southwest region of Western Australia. It grows in sandy soils in coastal areas and is often found in heathlands or open woodlands.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Anigozanthos Humilis a good plant for beginners?
A: Yes, this plant is relatively easy to care for and is a good choice for beginners.Q: Can the Anigozanthos Humilis be grown indoors?
A: While this plant can be grown indoors, it prefers full sun and may not thrive in low light conditions.Q: How often should I fertilize my Anigozanthos Humilis?
A: Fertilize the plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.Q: Does the Anigozanthos Humilis attract pollinators?
A: Yes, the flowers of this plant attract hummingbirds and bees.
Related Plants
Other plants in the Anigozanthos genus include:
- Anigozanthos Manglesii
- Anigozanthos Flavidus
- Anigozanthos Pulcherrimus
References
- “Anigozanthos Humilis – Dwarf Kangaroo Paw”, Gardening With Angus, accessed September 6th, 2021, https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/anigozanthos-humilis-dwarf-kangaroo-paw/.
- “Anigozanthos Humilis”, PlantZAfrica, accessed September 6th, 2021, http://pza.sanbi.org/anigozanthos-humilis.
- “Anigozanthos Humilis”, Australian Native Plants Society (Australia), accessed September 6th, 2021, https://anpsa.org.au/a-hum.html.
