Hidden in the Hills: Kunzeas

If you're strolling alongside one of the many tracks in our bushland reserves between October and December you may likelihood throughout a Kunzea ambigua (White Kunzea or Tick Bush).
This bush is pretty frequent, particularly in open scrubby woodland and heath with sandy soils. It is probably certainly one of the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.

In perfect conditions, this bush which can grow as a lot as three metres tall, and in season, could 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 provide a welcome supply of nectar for all kinds of bugs in addition to small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.


When taking the time to look into the bush it is attainable to watch some of the bugs that choose to reside in its neighborhood.

This explicit species is usually utilized in gardens, particularly these featuring quite a lot of native vegetation. When stored compact by pruning it presents nicely as a seasonal specimen plant.

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

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

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

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

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Pub: 16 Nov 2023 01:08 UTC
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