If you would possibly be strolling alongside one of many 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 fairly widespread, notably 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 ideal conditions, this bush which may grow as a lot as 3 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 source of nectar for all types of insects in addition to small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.
When taking the time to look into the bush it's possible to look at some of the insects that choose to stay in its vicinity.
This particular species is usually utilized in gardens, particularly those that includes quite so much of native vegetation. When stored 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 below the bush. It was thought that the aromatic oil content material of the foliage may deter ticks and mites.
Growing in an analogous habitat is the much less common Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller variety might 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 at the ends of the stamens. Several flowers are clustered together in the path of the ends of branches which have a distinctive reddish-brown colouration.
Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas is usually extra compact than its relative. It too can be grown as a decorative specimen in a house native garden.