This rhizomatous perennial herb has grey green strap-like leaves appearing from the base and forms a clump. It produces black and green tube-shape flowers in a cluster high above the foliage on blackish stem and appear from late winter to summer.

Hardiness zones 9 to 10

Macropidia fuliginosais naturally found in south-west Western Australia growing slightly inland in low heath and mallee woodlands from Perth to Geraldton.

It prefers a gravelly to white sandy soil that is moderately fertile in an open sunny position and is drought and fire resistant but frost tender.

The Black Kangaroo Paw is grown for its flowers and clumping habit. It is planted along borders or in rockeries and in native gardens. It establishes in 2-3 years and is suitable for coastal or inland regions. It is also grown in containers and the flowers are used in floral arrangements. This bird attracting plant will regenerate after low intensity fire from its rhizome and once established it requires little care. ID 3332

Macropidia (MAK-ro-PID-ee-ah) fuliginosa(foo-LIG-in-OH-sah)

Haemodoraceae(HEE-mo-dor-AY-see-ee)