Open forests and heaths of south-western Australia, usually in sandy soils. James Mangles, 19th century horticultural enthusiast. They are perennial herbs consisting of strap-like leaves arising from underground rhizomes.
Flowers occur in clusters on stalks which emerge from the bases of the leaves.
A number of species die back to the rhizome in summer, regenerating in autumn. All species are restricted in distribution to the southern areas of Western Australia. A.manglesii is the floral emblem of Western Australia and the best known member of the kangaroo paws. The differences between the subspecies are based on growth habits and flower structures and are relatively subtle. The red and green kangaroo paw is probably the most attractive member of the genus.