Many thanks for all your helpful advice, folk.
It appears that the plant is not hardy and likes good drainage. I will take
due precautions and
hope I can persuade it to flower.
I wonder why "Kangaroos Paw" - what could possibly be the resemblance?
Plant common names are often obscure. I could never see why Acanthus is
called
"Bears Britches", for instance. I have grown it, scrutinised the flowers but
remain
puzzled - wierd, but all part of the fascination of gardening.

Thanks again - Brian