Family: Fabaceae
Scientific name: Clianthus puniceus
Common name: Kaka beak / Parrot's beak
Origin: New-Zealand

The kaka beak or parrot's beak produces remarkable red flowers that resemble to the beak of the New Zealand parrot, the kaka. That’s why this species is sometimes called the kaka beak. The brush originates to the northern island of New Zealand, but is almost extinct in the wild. However, the species is cultivated in large, but all cultivated plants are almost genetically identical. The pinnate leaves are marvelous; the plant performs well as a container plant. Provide a sunny spot and protect the plant against frost.

Sowing description: Let the seeds soak for one minute in boiling water; afterwards let them cool off in cold water. Wrap seeds in a moisty sheet of paper towel and let them rest for 24 hours. Keep them constantly moist. After a day, the seeds should have been doubled in size. If that’s the case, the seed wall should be broken. Repeat the process for seeds that are not swollen.

Sow swollen seeds in sowing mix. Cover with plastic wrap or glass, keep the soil constantly moist and let them germinate in a warm spot at home. Germination can occur after a couple of weeks or months.

Sowing time: Whole year
Difficulty: Challenging
Minimum temperature: 0 degrees Celcius

Photo 2: John Steedman