Family: Haemodoraceae

Native to Western Australia, these mostly perennial, tufted herbs are closely related to the kangaroo paw (Anigozanthos) and in growth habit are similar to the Japanese iris. They have dense, terminal heads of starry flowers and narrow, flat, strappy leaves, which form thick clumps when mature. They do well in sunny, well-drained rockeries and make excellent pot plants. They are not often grown outside their native Australia.

Species

C. aculeata has woolly, grayish, slightly spiny leaves and dense heads of yellow flowers in spring and summer. It grows 10-30 cm (4-12 in) and makes a useful rockery plant.

C. bealiana, a low-growing shrub to 5-15 cm (2-6 in) tall, has narrow, linear leaves and deep yellow to orange flowers in late winter.

C. setigera, bristly cottonheads, has tough, linear leaves, with rough margins, and profuse, creamy yellow flower heads in spring. It grows 15-30 cm (6-12 in).

C. stylidioides, mat cottonheads, is different from the other species, forming mats and spreading by its aerial roots. It grows 5-10 cm (2-4 in), producing masses of yellow, star-like, spring flowers, 10-12 mm (about ½ in) long.

Cultivation

In frost-prone climates, Conostylis should he grown in a cool greenhouse or conservatory. To propagate, divide the spreading clumps in early autumn. Grow the new plants in pots until established, then plant out in an open, well-drained, sunny spot in the garden. Some of the species, particularly C. stylidioides, are very tolerant of salty soils. This species is propagated from its aerial roots, which are an adaptation to the sand plain and salt pan habitats in which it is sometimes found.

Climate

Zone 9 if the area is relatively frost-free.