Hidden within the Hills: Kunzeas

If you are walking along one of many many tracks in our bushland reserves between October and December you may chance throughout a Kunzea ambigua (White Kunzea or Tick Bush).
This bush is pretty common, particularly in open scrubby woodland and heath with sandy soils. It is among the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.

In ideal conditions, this bush which can grow as a lot as 3 metres tall, and in season, can be lined 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 provide a welcome source of nectar for all types of insects as nicely as small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.

When taking the time to look into the bush it's possible to watch a variety of the insects that favor to live in its vicinity.

Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas is sometimes utilized in gardens, particularly these that includes a selection of native vegetation. When saved compact by pruning it presents well as a seasonal specimen plant.

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


Growing in an identical habitat is the less widespread Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller variety may develop to round 1.5 metres excessive, and will be in flower usually 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 the path of the ends of branches which have a distinctive reddish-brown colouration.

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

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Pub: 16 Nov 2023 01:47 UTC
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