The unknown species was brought to the attention of the author in 1962, at a flower show in Kalgoorlie (500 km beyond its known range), but the source of this specimen was not determined.

[3] A species of Anigozanthus, the kangaroo paws and catspaws, which have single leaves emerging from a rhizome and tubular flowers presented on a scape.

[1] They are periodically abundant in open woodlands cleared by fire, providing a conspicuous display of flowers against a blackened landscape.

[3] Anigozanthos onycis emerges after summer fires, growing and setting seed in the first year and losing vigour in the second if the plant survives at all.

[3] The preferred habitat is sandy woodlands or adjacent to swamps, on white or grey sand, at the well drained soils of slopes and the top of hills.