Hidden within the Hills: Kunzeas

If you're strolling along 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 fairly widespread, significantly in open scrubby woodland and heath with sandy soils. It is amongst the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.

In perfect circumstances, this bush which can develop up to 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.

https://galstoncommunity.com.au/hidden-in-the-hills-kunzeas-native-flower/ : A Symphony of Colors and Scents
Native FlowersThese flowers provide a welcome source of nectar for all sorts of bugs as well as small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.

When taking the time to look into the bush it is attainable to observe some of the insects that prefer to live in its neighborhood.

This particular species is usually utilized in gardens, especially those that includes a variety of native plants. When saved compact by pruning it presents well as a seasonal specimen plant.

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

Growing in an analogous habitat is the much less frequent Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller selection might grow 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 size globular dots on the ends of the stamens. Several flowers are clustered together towards the ends of branches which have a particular reddish-brown colouration.

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