If you're walking alongside one of the 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 fairly common, significantly in open scrubby woodland and heath with sandy soils. It is doubtless 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, can be lined with a prolific crop of delicate white flowers with very lengthy stamens which conceal the petals.
Kunzea Native Flower: A Symphony of Colors and Scents
Native FlowersThese flowers present a welcome supply of nectar for all sorts of insects as properly as small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.
When taking the time to look into the bush it's possible to observe a number of the insects that choose to stay in its vicinity.
This specific species is sometimes used in gardens, particularly these that includes quite a lot of native vegetation. When stored compact by pruning it presents nicely as a seasonal specimen plant.
The name “Tick Bush” apparently comes from individuals observing that some native animals like to put below the bush. It was thought that the fragrant oil content of the foliage could deter ticks and mites.
Growing in an identical habitat is the less frequent Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller variety may develop to around 1.5 metres high, and will be in flower usually from September to October.
Native FlowersThe deep pink flowers have small white pin head size globular dots on the ends of the stamens. Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas are clustered collectively towards the ends of branches which have a particular reddish-brown colouration.
This shrub is normally more compact than its relative. It too can be grown as a decorative specimen in a house native garden.