Clianthus puniceus

Clianthus puniceus photographed at Abbotsbury Gdns, Dorset, UK

Clianthus puniceus is a bushy shrub, growing to 3–6 ft (90–180 cm) high. The much-divided (pinnate) green leaves are 3–6 in (7.5–15 cm) long, typical of the pea family. The flowers are red, up to 3 in (7.5 cm) long, and are borne in groups of up to 20.

Clianthus puniceus is native to North Island, New Zealand, but rare in the wild. Commonly called kaka beak in New Zealand, after the native parrot. In the UK it needs to be grown against a south or south-west facing wall.

NZ Plants B  NZ Plants C  NZ Plants D

previous  next