Clianthus puniceus

Clianthus puniceus
File:Clianthus puniceus.jpg
leaves and flowers
Conservation status
File:Status NZTCS NC.svg Nationally Critical (NZ TCS)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Rosids
Order:	Fabales
Family:	Fabaceae
Genus:	Clianthus
Species:	C. puniceus
Binomial name
Clianthus puniceus (G.Don) Sol. ex Lindl.

Clianthus puniceus, common name kaka beak (Kōwhai Ngutu-kākā in Māori), is a species of flowering plant in the genus Clianthus of the legume family Fabaceae, native to New Zealand's North Island. It is an evergreen shrub, one of two species of Clianthus, both of which have striking clusters of red flowers resembling the beak of the kākā, a New Zealand parrot. The plant is also known as parrot's beak, parrot's bill and lobster claw. There is also a variety with white to creamy coloured flowers.

The Latin specific epithet puniceus refers to the reddish-purple colour of the flowers.

The species is critically endangered in the wild, known only on Moturemu Island in the Kaipara Harbour. It was previously widely grown as a garden plant, but has generally been replaced by the more robust Clianthus maximus.

C. puniceus 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.

This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

External links

• ARKive - images and movies of the Kaka beak (Clianthus puniceus)
• Kaka beak photos