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 catspaw. 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. The genus name "Anigozanthos" possibly combines Ancient Greek words "anisos", meaning unequal, and "anthos", meaning flower (in reference to the shape of the flowers). The specific epithet, "humilis", means "low-growing". The common name  catspaw was initally applied this species, then for several other species of "Anigozanthos", this is assumed to have been coined to contrast these with larger flowers and scapes of 'kangaroo paws'. The widely occurring "A. humilis" subsp. "humilis" is referred to as the common catspaw. 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. 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.