Hidden in the Hills: Kunzeas

If you are walking alongside one of the many tracks in our bushland reserves between October and December you might probability across a Kunzea ambigua (White Kunzea or Tick Bush).

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

In ideal circumstances, this bush which may grow up to 3 metres tall, and in season, can be lined 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 present a welcome source of nectar for all kinds of insects in addition to small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.

When taking the time to look into the bush it's potential to watch a number of the insects that prefer to stay in its vicinity.

This specific species is typically utilized in gardens, particularly those featuring a wide range of native vegetation. When saved compact by pruning it presents nicely as a seasonal specimen plant.

The name “Tick Bush” apparently comes from folks observing that some native animals like to put below the bush. It was thought that the fragrant oil content material of the foliage might deter ticks and mites.

Growing in an identical habitat is the much less common Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas may grow to around 1.5 metres high, and shall be in flower generally from September to October.

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

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