If you might be strolling alongside one of many many tracks in our bushland reserves between October and December you might likelihood across 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 certainly one of the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.
In perfect 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 lengthy stamens which conceal the petals.
Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas : A Symphony of Colors and Scents
Native FlowersThese flowers provide a welcome source of nectar for all sorts of insects in addition to small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.
When taking the time to look into the bush it's potential to observe some of the bugs that favor to live in its vicinity.
This specific species is usually used in gardens, especially those featuring a selection of native vegetation. When saved 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 put beneath 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 frequent Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller selection might grow to around 1.5 metres high, and shall be in flower usually from September to October.
Native FlowersThe deep pink flowers have small white pin head dimension globular dots on the ends of the stamens. Several flowers are clustered collectively towards the ends of branches which have a distinctive reddish-brown colouration.
This shrub is normally more compact than its relative. It too can be grown as a decorative specimen in a home native garden.