Hidden in the Hills: Kunzeas

If you're walking along one of the many tracks in our bushland reserves between October and December you could chance across a Kunzea ambigua (White Kunzea or Tick Bush).

This bush is pretty common, significantly in open scrubby woodland and heath with sandy soils. It is likely one of the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.

In best circumstances, this bush which may grow up to three metres tall, and in season, could be covered with a prolific crop of delicate white flowers with very lengthy stamens which conceal the petals.

Kunzea Native Flower: A Symphony of Colors and Scents

Native FlowersThese flowers provide a welcome supply of nectar for all sorts of insects as well as small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.

When taking the time to look into the bush it's possible to look at some of the bugs that choose to stay in its neighborhood.

This particular species is sometimes used in gardens, particularly those that includes quite so much of native vegetation. When saved compact by pruning it presents nicely as a seasonal specimen plant.

The identify “Tick Bush” apparently comes from individuals observing that some native animals like to lay below the bush. https://galstoncommunity.com.au/hidden-in-the-hills-kunzeas-native-flower/ was thought that the fragrant oil content material of the foliage may deter ticks and mites.

Growing in a similar habitat is the much less widespread Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller variety could develop to around 1.5 metres excessive, and might be in flower typically from September to October.

Native FlowersThe deep pink flowers have small white pin head dimension globular dots on the ends of the stamens. Several flowers are clustered collectively towards the ends of branches which have a particular reddish-brown colouration.

This shrub is often extra compact than its relative. It too could be grown as a decorative specimen in a home native backyard.