Kakabeak seeds

Kakabeak seeds
Common name   Clianthus
Botanical name   Clianthus
Details   Seeds collected from assorted red and pink flowering shrubs in the blockhill gardens. Seed can contain some white fluff, the dried pulp from the seed casing, this is NOT mould or fungus.
Drought tolerance  
Frost sensitive  
Nitrogen fixer  
Perennial  
Propagate     November   January   December   October  
Tags     evergreen  flowers  N fixer  native  red  tender 
Price   $4.40  20 seeds
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48141_seeds-kaka-beak
Kakabeak plants, scientifically known as Clianthus, are a genus of strikingly beautiful flowering plants native to New Zealand. There are two main species: Clianthus puniceus, also called the "Kakabeak" or "Red Kowhai," and Clianthus maximus, commonly known as the "Kakabeak" or "Crimson Glory Vine." These plants are treasured for their unique appearance and ecological significance. Here are some of their uses and qualities:
  1. Ornamental Purposes: Kakabeak plants are primarily cultivated for their stunning and vibrant flowers. The flowers have an unusual shape resembling the beak of a parrot, which adds an attractive element to gardens, landscapes, and parks.
  2. Conservation and Restoration: Kakabeak plants play a crucial role in ecological restoration efforts in New Zealand. Both species are considered endangered in the wild due to habitat loss and browsing by introduced pests. By cultivating and planting kakabeak, conservationists aim to protect and expand their populations in the wild.
  3. Nectar Source: The flowers of kakabeak plants produce nectar, making them an essential food source for native birds and insects, including native bees and honeyeaters.
  4. Cultural Significance: Kakabeak plants have cultural significance to the Māori people of New Zealand. The flowers are associated with the Māori concept of mana (spiritual power), and the plants are considered taonga (treasures). They are also used for traditional medicine in some Māori communities.
  5. Climbing Habit: Clianthus maximus, the Crimson Glory Vine, is a climbing plant with twining stems. It can be trained to grow along fences, pergolas, or trellises, providing a visually striking and colourful feature.
  6. Nitrogen Fixation: Like many legumes, kakabeak plants have the ability to fix nitrogen from the air into the soil through symbiotic relationships with nitrogen-fixing bacteria in their root nodules. This improves soil fertility and benefits neighbouring plants.
  7. Drought Tolerance: Once established, kakabeak plants can exhibit a degree of drought tolerance, making them suitable for gardens or landscapes with periodic water restrictions.
  8. Educational Value: Kakabeak plants are excellent educational tools for teaching about the importance of native plant conservation, ecological relationships, and the impact of introduced pests on indigenous flora and fauna.
Kakabeak

Kakabeak

Details   Grows in open, sunny, steep sites, often on rocky outcrops, slips, the bases of cliffs or edges of lakes and streams. It is a relatively short-lived plant, sometimes lasting 15-20 years.
Botanical name   Clianthus
Family   Fabaceae
Height (m)   2
Diameter   1.50
Evergreen  
Frost sensitive  
Perennial  
Nitrogen fixer  
Shade / Sun   Sun
Flowers   Red