General Description:

Tribonanthes is a genus of 12 species which are collectively known as ‘Tiurndins’ (“pronounced churn-din and means ‘fair, white (flowers)’ according to Noongar informants from the Esperance region” – see footnote reference). They are perennial herbs consisting of narrow, strap-like leaves arising from underground rhizomes. Flowers occur on stalks which emerge from the bases of the leaves.. All species occur naturally only in the southern areas of Western Australia. 

Tribonanthes australis is a tuberous perennial herb with flat, grass-like leaves 55-280 mm long and about 1-2.5 mm wide. The white, woolly flowers occur singly or in small groups on stalks that are usually longer than the leaves. Flowering occurs in late winter and spring. Hickman and Hopper* record several hybrids of T.australis with other Tribonanthes species.

All species of Tribonanthes are not often seen in cultivation and are less horticulturally attractive than their close relatives Anigozanthus (kangaroo paws and catspaws) and Conostylis. T.australis could be a useful species as a rockery plant in temperate climates but is not likely to be suited to tropical areas. It would require excellent drainage and a sunny position and should withstand extended dry periods once established .

Propagation can be carried out from seed but germination may be spasmodic. It is possible that propagation could also be carried out by division of the clumps, similar to the related kangaroo paws, although there is no known information as to the success of this method. Divisions would need to be potted up and placed in a sheltered location such as in a glasshouse or cold frame until the plants re-establish their root system.

* Hickman, E.J. & Hopper, S.D. (16 April 2019), A revision of the tiurndins (Tribonanthes, Haemodoraceae). Nuytsia 30 : 87-154