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Haemodorum coccineum
Haemodorum coccineum (bunyagutjagutja,[1] bloodroot,[2] menang,[3] scarlet bloodroot,[4] red root[5]) is a flowering plant in the same family as kangaroo paw. DescriptionA perennial herb[6] to one meter high.[5][6] Although it is not grass, it has a grass-like appearance, with strap-like,[2][5] narrow, leathery leaves arising from the base of the plant.[2][6] Flowering usually occurs between November and March, during the Top End wet season, however flowers have been observed as early as October and as late as May.[6] The flowers are deep-red or orange red and occur in dense clusters on long stiff stalks,[2][6] which also arise from the base of the plant.[6] Fruit develop between November and March, and can linger until May.[6] The fruit are red[5][6] to black,[2] fleshy capsules with three lobes.[6] The mature fruit release a red-purple juice when crushed.[6] Distribution and habitatFound in the Top End of the Northern Territory,[2][6][7] Northern Queensland[2][6][7] and Papua New Guinea.[7] Occurs in open woodland habitats on gravelly or shallow lateritic soils and sandstone.[6] UsesDyesIndigenous Australians use this plant to make red, brown and purple dyes for coloring plant fibres.[1][2][6][8] The bulbous red root is chopped or crushed and boiled in water to release the red-brown dyes, while the purple shades are made from H. coccineum fruit.[8] Other usesSuitable as a bedding or edging plant in native gardens.[5] Propagation and cultivationHaemodorum coccineum can be propagated from seed.[2] Vegetative propagation can be achieved by dividing the bulbous root. Plants prefer a well-drained sandy or gravelly soil and full sun.[2] In the dry season the plant will usually die back,[2] leaving the underground rootstock to regenerate later in the year. References
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