SafePlants

Philydrum lanuginosum: Woolly Frogmouth

Philydrum lanuginosum, commonly known as Woolly Frogmouth or Frogsmouth, is an aquatic perennial plant admired for the resemblance of its flower to an open frog's mouth. It is also sometimes referred to as Woolly Water Lily.

Considerations for Pets

• This plant has "teeny tiny seeds".

Considerations for Children

• This plant has "teeny tiny seeds".

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Philydrum lanuginosum Banks & Sol. ex Gaertn.
• Family: Philydraceae
• Genus: Philydrum (a monotypic genus, meaning it contains only one species, Philydrum lanuginosum)
• Synonyms:
  • Philydrum cavaleriei H. Lveill.

Distribution and Habitat

• Philydrum lanuginosum is native to Western Australia and widely distributed throughout Australia.
• It thrives as a marginal plant around water sources and in swampy environments.

Morphological Characteristics

• It's an emergent aquatic perennial herb that can grow up to 2 meters in height.
• The plant is often caespitose (growing in tufts) and shortly rhizomatous (possessing rhizomes).
• Leaves are strap-like, reaching up to 60 cm in length and 2 cm in width. The leaves are hairy and often have a red tinge.
• The plant features spikes of yellow flowers.

Quirky Facts

• The common name "Frogsmouth" comes from the unique appearance of the flower, which resembles an open frog's mouth.

Ecological Role

• It is a native, warm-season perennial.
• The plant's seeds exhibit post-germination buoyancy, contributing to its dispersal.

Further Information

• Australian Plant Name Index (APNI): A tool for botanical information.
• The Plant List
• IPNI (International Plant Names Index)
• NYBG (New York Botanical Garden) Virtual Herbarium
• Encyclopedia of Life