Anigozanthos humilis

Anigozanthos humilis is a species of "Anigozanthos" in the family Haemodoraceae. This flowering perennial plant is endemic to Southwest Australia and widespread in its open forests. Common names include Catspaw and Common Cat's Paw. The genus name "Anigozanthos" comes from the Greek words "anisos", meaning unequal, and "anthos", meaning flower (in reference to the shape of the flowers). The specific epithet, "humilis", means "low-growing".
Description.
The species has a basal rosette of long strap-like leaves, emerging at the soil's surface from a rhizome beneath. A raceme of flowers appear at the terminus of long stalks, giving the plant a height up to one metre. The tuberous form of the flower bud is yellow, becoming orange then red at the opening. It is typically 0.4-1 meter tall and 0.3-0.6 meters across.
Taxonomy.
The species was first described by John Lindley in the 1840 work "A sketch of the vegetation of the Swan River Colony". Three subspecies have also been described and recognised.
Conservation Status.
While the subspecies "Anigozanthos humilis" subsp. "humilis" is common, and unthreatened, the rarer subspecies described by Stephen Hopper are listed with a conservation status. "Anigozanthos humilis" subsp. "Badgingarra" is listed by the Dept of Environment and Conservation as poorly known. and the subspecies "Anigozanthos humilis" subsp. "chrysanthus", the golden catspaw, has been listed as rare by the same body.
Cultivation.
The plant is widely cultivated, and is able to tolerate hot and humid climates, but requires winter protection in temperate regions. It has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit. It does best in sunny locations with well-drained soil.