SafePlants

Calothamnus sanguineus: The Silky-leaved Blood Flower

Calothamnus sanguineus, commonly known as silky-leaved blood flower, is a striking shrub native to Western Australia. Other names include One-sided Bottlebrush and Pindak (Aboriginal).

Considerations for Pets

• The plant features claw-like flowers.
• The plant has silky pine like leaves.
• It can produces seeds.

Considerations for Children

• The plant features claw-like flowers.
• The plant has silky pine like leaves.
• It can produces seeds.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

• Scientific Name: Calothamnus sanguineus Labill.
• Family: Myrtaceae (Myrtle family)
• Rank: Species
• Synonyms: Silky-leaved Blood Flower
• Note: The plant was described by Jacques Julien Houtou de Labillardière in 1806.
• Note: Calothamnus homalophyllus is more recently known as Calothamnus.
• Derivation of Name:
  • Calothamnus: From Greek kalos, beautiful, and thamnos, a shrub.
  • sanguineus: From Latin sanguineus, blood colored, referring to the flower color.

Distribution and Habitat

• Endemic to the south-west of Western Australia.
• Thrives in Mediterranean type conditions.

Morphological Characteristics

• Erect to open shrub, typically growing to about 2 meters in height, but sometimes as small as 0.2m.
• Evergreen, small to medium shrub.
• Known for its bright-red, claw-like flowers that bloom over a long period, from March to November.
• Leaves described as silky and pine-like.

Ecological Role

• Listed as a weed or invasive plant in some contexts.

Quirky Facts

• Aboriginal names for the plant include Boolgalla and Queitjat.

Interactions with Other Organisms

• Pollen morphology has been studied within the Myrtaceae family in the south-west Pacific area.

Further Information

• Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew: World Checklist of Selected Plant Families.
• Dave's Garden
• RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
• B and T World Seeds' database.
• Discover Life