Conostylis seorsiflora

	Family:	Haemodoraceae
	Distribution:	South coastal areas of Western Australia.
	Common Name:	No generally accepted common name.
	Derivation of Name:	Conostylis...from Greek conos; a cone and stylos; a column, referring to the conical base to the style of the flower seosiflora; From Latin, seorsum, scattered and flora, a flower, referring to the arrangement of the flowers which occur singly at the base of the leaves.
	Conservation Status:	Not considered to be at risk in the wild.

General Description:

Conostylis is a genus of 30 or more species and is closely related to the better-known kangaroo paws (Anigozanthos sp). They are perennial herbs consisting of strap-like leaves sometimes arising from underground rhizomes. Flowers usually occur in clusters on stalks which emerge from the bases of the leaves. All species occur naturally only in the southern areas of Western Australia.

Conostylis seorsiflora Photo: Brian Walters

Conostylis seorsiflora is different to most of the other members of the genus as its flowers occur singly, rather than in clusters. It has a prostrate habit of growth and, in nature, forms small clumps joined by stems - the whole plant forming a mat from 0.5 to about a metre in diameter. The leaves are may vary between 20 and 160 mm long and are usually glabrous except when young (except for subsp. trichophylla). The single flowers are bright yellow and tubular in shape to about 10-15 mm long. Flowering occurs in early to late spring.

There are three recognised subspecies:

• subsp. seorsiflora: leaves up to 90 mm long; flowers seen generally in early spring.
• subsp. longissima: leaves longer than subsp.seorsiflora (up to 160 mm long); flowers generally in mid spring.
• subsp. trichophylla: leaves having silvery hairs; flowers generally in late spring to early summer.

Conostylis seorsiflora is reasonably well known in cultivation but is best suited to areas with a dry summer climate. It tends to be unreliable in tropical climates and in other areas with a humid summer. It requires excellent drainage and a sunny position and is tolerant of moderate frosts. The species is an attractive subject for cultivation in containers.

Propagation can be carried out from seed but often germination is spasmodic. Propagation can also be carried out by division of the clumps. Divisions are best potted up and placed in a sheltered location such as in a glasshouse or cold frame until the plant re-establishes its root system.