If you're walking along one of the many tracks in our bushland reserves between October and December you might 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 considered one of the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.
In ideal situations, this bush which can grow up to three metres tall, and in season, may 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 supply of nectar for all types of bugs as nicely as small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.
When taking the time to look into the bush it's attainable to look at a few of the insects that prefer to reside in its neighborhood.
This particular species is usually utilized in gardens, especially these that includes a big selection of native plants. When stored compact by pruning it presents properly 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 could deter ticks and mites.
Growing in an analogous habitat is the much less common Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller selection could develop to round 1.5 metres excessive, and might be in flower generally 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 together in path of the ends of branches which have a distinctive reddish-brown colouration.
Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas is usually more compact than its relative. It too can be grown as a decorative specimen in a home native garden.