Botanical Name:Clianthus puniceus/Clianthus maximus
Family: Fabaceae
Subfamily: Faboideae
Kingdom: Plantae
Order: Fabales
Tribe: Galegeae
Subtribe:Astragalinae
Genus: Clianthus
Type species:Clianthus puniceus
Synonyms: Donia G. Don & D. Don ex G.Don 1832
Common Names: Kakabeak, The plants are also known as Parrot’s beak, Parrot’s bill and Lobster claw – all references to the distinctive flowers.
Habitat: Kakabeak is native to New Zealand.
Description:
Clianthus puniceus is an evergreen shrub, one of two species of Clianthus, both of which have striking clusters of red flowers resembling the beak of the k?k?, a New Zealand parrot.
It grows to around 2 m (6 ft 7 in) high, with spreading branches producing leaf stalks up to 15 cm (6 in) long bearing several pairs of small leaflets. They usually flower from spring through to early summer, but can flower twice a year or even year round. Its scandent habit means it can be trained against a wall. It requires shelter from frosts.
The Latin specific epithet puniceus refers to the reddish-purple colour of the flowers.
They have striking clusters of red flowers which resemble the beak of the kaka, a New Zealand parrot. There is also a variety with white to creamy coloured flowers.
Medicinal Uses:We could not find anything.
Other Uses: A very beautiful flower gardening plant.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clianthus
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clianthus_puniceus