Greetings fellow Foxies,
I have been into bloodroots (Haemodorum species) this year, which are some of the most cryptic, unattractive, and unassuming bush plants. They are widespread on sands and gravels, but rarely noticed by most humans
Haemodorum is one of a motley group of genera in the Haemodoraceae (bloodroot) family. Other local genera include Anigozanthus (cats paw, kangaroo paws), Conostylis (cone flowers), Haemodorum, and Tribonanthes.
Not all members of this family have red sap, but common features include
I have been into bloodroots (Haemodorum species) this year, which are some of the most cryptic, unattractive, and unassuming bush plants. They are widespread on sands and gravels, but rarely noticed by most humans
Haemodorum is one of a motley group of genera in the Haemodoraceae (bloodroot) family. Other local genera include Anigozanthus (cats paw, kangaroo paws), Conostylis (cone flowers), Haemodorum, and Tribonanthes.
Not all members of this family have red sap, but common features include
- All are monocotyledons (flowering parts are multiples of 3 (dicotyledons have 5), with 6 tepals and stamens
- They are clumping plants with kangaroo paw type linear leaves on each side of a stem
- Leathery flowers ( Haemodorum are shiny, others are suede
- Long sand binding roots from bulbs (Haemodorum), or rhizomes (Anigozanthus, Conostylis)
Anigozanthus species in this district are the common Anigozanthus humilis (catspaw) and Anigozanthus bicolor (little kangaroo paw) which is found occasionally in moist spots at Borgey Block and Forestry Road.
Suede texture flowers are fused into a tube which is split on one side, with anthers near the opening. This design suits pollination by honey eaters. Plants spread via underground rhizomes.
Suede texture flowers are fused into a tube which is split on one side, with anthers near the opening. This design suits pollination by honey eaters. Plants spread via underground rhizomes.
 Catspaw |  Split corolla tube with 6 anthers near the edge |  Little kangaroo paw |
Haemodorum simplex Local Haemodorum species are bulbs; the common bloodroot Haemodorum discolor, and Haemodorum simplex, which is sometimesfound at on gravels at Quinns reserve and Borgey Block. Bloodroot bulbs have intense red juice. a coastal species Haemodorum spicatum is a Noongar bush medicine and last resort peppery bush tucker. Dark flowers on their strange dark flowers remain closed, but exude a strong smell which attracts native bees strong enough to push into them to reach nectar below and pollinate them. The crab spider on a flower is waiting for a feed.
 Haemodorum discolor flower |  Developing embryos in flowering head |  Seed pods with fully formed but unripe seed |  Pods after seed shed |
Tribonanthes species are for some unknown reason named diurndins!. Local Tribonanthes longipetala -Branching diurndin is a low herb with a leathery star shaped flower, which I have found on wet granite country at Dryandra Highbury Telstra spot and Borgey Block.
The Noongar name is Djooback. It reproduces from kidney shaped tubers, which are roasted in ashes and eaten as bush tucker.
Conostylis species (variously known as cottonheads or cone flowers) are widespread on well drained soils. They have underground rhizomes, and long flowering stalks with attractive yellow clumps of cone-shaped flowers.
 concostylis sp. North Wedin |  Conostylis setigera Foxes Lair |  Conostylis pusilla Foxes Lair |  Conostylis ? Borgey Block |