If you would possibly be strolling alongside one of many many tracks in our bushland reserves between October and December you could chance throughout a Kunzea ambigua (White Kunzea or Tick Bush).
This bush is pretty common, notably in open scrubby woodland and heath with sandy soils. It is doubtless considered one of the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.
In ideal conditions, this bush which can develop up to 3 metres tall, and in season, can be coated 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 kinds of insects in addition to small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.
When taking the time to look into the bush it's possible to observe a variety of the bugs that choose to live in its neighborhood.
This specific species is sometimes used in gardens, especially those featuring a big selection of native plants. When kept compact by pruning it presents properly as a seasonal specimen plant.
Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas “Tick Bush” apparently comes from folks observing that some native animals like to lay under the bush. It was thought that the fragrant oil content material of the foliage could deter ticks and mites.
Growing in an identical habitat is the less frequent Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller variety could develop to around 1.5 metres high, and might be in flower typically from September to October.
Native FlowersThe deep pink flowers have small white pin head dimension globular dots at the ends of the stamens. Several flowers are clustered collectively in the direction of the ends of branches which have a particular reddish-brown colouration.
This shrub is normally extra compact than its relative. It too may be grown as an ornamental specimen in a house native backyard.