Hidden within the Hills: Kunzeas

If you are strolling alongside one of many many tracks in our bushland reserves between October and December you could likelihood 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 amongst the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.

In ideal conditions, this bush which may develop up to three metres tall, and in season, can be covered with a prolific crop of delicate white flowers with very long stamens which conceal the petals.

Kunzea Native Flower: A Symphony of Colors and Scents

Native FlowersThese flowers present a welcome supply of nectar for all types of bugs as properly as small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.

When taking the time to look into the bush it's possible to observe a few of the insects that choose to live in its neighborhood.

This particular species is usually utilized in gardens, particularly these that includes quite lots of native crops. When saved compact by pruning it presents properly as a seasonal specimen plant.

The title “Tick Bush” apparently comes from folks observing that some native animals like to put beneath the bush. It was thought that the aromatic oil content of the foliage may deter ticks and mites.

Growing in an identical habitat is the much less widespread Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller variety could grow to around 1.5 metres excessive, and might be in flower usually from September to October.

Native FlowersThe deep pink flowers have small white pin head measurement globular dots at the ends of the stamens. Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas are clustered together towards the ends of branches which have a distinctive reddish-brown colouration.

This shrub is usually more compact than its relative. It too could be grown as a decorative specimen in a home native garden.