Kings Park Federation Flame kangaroo paws

This photo, taken at Kings Park and Botanic Garden, Perth WA, shows one of my favourite kangaroo paws – ‘King’s Park Federation Flame,’ which is derived from the naturally occurring red paw, Anigozanthos rufus. Seed of the parent plants was originally collected from Bremer Bay in 1981 and used to develop this stunning orange variety.

Flowering in spring/summer, Federation Flame grows in full sun with drip irrigation to establish and is resistant to ink spot disease. The foilage is unique and characteristic of rufus varieties with its blue grey colour.

According to the Centenary of Federation State Committee of WA, ‘Kings Park Federation Flame’ reflects the community’s developing commitment to a uniquely Australian identity, and to the conservation of Australia’s unique natural heritage through sustainable development. Great sentiments, which could be more widely applied to our urban development processes!

Also visible in the photo are Acacia glaucoptera, or clay wattle, which has attractive bronze red new growth and ball like flowers along the stem. Leucophyta brownii, or cushion bush, provides silver foilage contrast. The granite outcrops are a great feature here and with a backdrop of Eucalyptus ‘Silver Princess’ the garden is beautifully composed.

Kings Park, is a national treasure with its unique collection of WA flora. Around 3000 of WA’s 12 000 species of plants are displayed, some in special collections and many in naturally landscaped areas. Worth a visit any time of year, the gardens are particularly spectacular in spring.