Anigozanthos manglesii, Mangles kangaroo paw

Swan Coastal Plain, Perth, Western Australia

Western Australia's state floral emblem, the striking Mangles kangaroo paw is the most striking species in the genus Anigozanthos which is endemic to South-Western Australia. The flowers of kangaroo paws are morphologically adapted to for bird pollination, with their stamens positioned so that a nectar seeking honeyeater will inevitably be dusted with pollen on the forehead on their quest for the flower's sugar-rich nectar. To us this floral arrangement resembles the paw of a kangaroo.

Photographed for the Meet Your Neighbours international nature photography project in Perth, Western Australia.

Canon EOS 7D with Sigma 105mm f/2.8 EX DG Macro lens; 1/250s at f/16 ISO 250, flash fired: from hand.