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Flower-stalk height and color of kangaroo paws, flowers varies between the species. Many new forms have also arisen as the result of deliberate hybridisation. The shape of the flowers and the position of the pollen-bearing anthers is a feature which allows pollen to be deposited on the head of feeding birds. Different species usually deposit pollen on different areas of the birds' head. This means that pollen from one species is unlikely to be deposited in the flowers of another species. Anigozanthos species are commonly propagated from seed. In general Kangaroo Paw grow best in well-drained soils in a sunny position. Well-composted organic matter will improve growth. Most species are dormant over winter (some die back completely) and it is important not to over-water at this time.

Small to medium size shrub with bright pink flowers resembling Hibiscus, but smaller, 1-2" in diameter. Drought tolerant once established, not fussy about soil. A great butterfly attractor. Blooms spring to fall, very nice specimen plant. Trim it regularly to create round bushy shape.

Very tall (2m) shrub with small leaves, pale pink to magenta flowers resembling Hibiscus, but smaller, 1-2" in diameter. Drought tolerant once established, not fussy about soil. A great butterfly attractor. See picture of related species (A. capensis).

Medium-sized tree with a trunk that usually branches fairly low. The bark is dark with light spots. Leaves are simple and alternate, displayed in a flat plane, very regularly arranged along the branchlet. The branchlet zig-zags between leaves. Deciduous in the dry season, losing all its leaves from December to April. Flowers from May to July, producing large, purple, solitary flowers along the branches; pollinate by beetles. It has hairy leaves and large, strong-scented flowers. From August to October, a large, green fruit with small spines develops. The fruit is rounded and 6-8", and is covered with a felt-textured brown skin. The surface of the fruit has hooklike projections. The pulp is similar in scent, appearance, and taste to that of the mango. It has many seeds.The soncoya requires a hot, humid climate.

The fruit pulp is edible and good but not marketed. In Colombia, the pulp is eaten raw or is strained for juice, drunk as a beverage or folk remedy. In Mexico, Soncoya juice is regarded as a remedy for fever and chills. Elsewhere it is given to relieve jaundice (probably because of its color). The bark decoction is effective against dysentery and a tea of the inner bark is administered in cases of edema.

There are hundreds of species of this genus, all members of the Araceae family. The majority are fairly nondescript and a few are grown for their handsome foliage. There are only two species which are generally grown for their flowers, Anthurium andraeanum and Anthurium scherzerianum. Both types are basically epiphytic and grown best in a mix of bark, perlite and fern fiber such as that used in orchids or bromeliads. They will grow in soil but rarely perform well in that medium. Anthurium andraeanum is the florist anthurium, a plant with red, white or pink spatches which have an artificial, plastic-like look. Give a moderately high light intensity but avoid direct sunlight during the spring and summer months when the sun is most intense. A high humidity is essential as is warm temperature, 70-75 days, 65 minimum at night. The potting mixture should be kept moist, but not soggy during the spring- summer period and allowed to dry slightly between waterings from late fall through winter. A feeding of weak manure water and a fish emulsion may be given every two weeks from late winter to mid summer.

Both species have a tendency to grow up out of the pot. The exposed aerial roots should be wrapped in moist sphagnum.

When the plant is eight inches or higher out of the pot it may be cut off at the base and repotted in fresh potting mixture. Plants will occasionally split and form pups. These can be divided when large enough. Plants are also propagated by stem cuttings and seed, both of which are extremely difficult without greenhouse facilities.

Real Hawaiian lava rock is hand selected to provide a happy home for Anthurium. With reasonable care your volcano bonsai should last for years. Place in a bright window or on a countertop without direct sun and just keep a small amount of water in the saucer/tray provided. Requires consistently moist soil.

See Photo Gallery of Exotic Anthuriums.