If you are walking along one of many 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 pretty widespread, significantly in open scrubby woodland and heath with sandy soils. It is among the first to regrow after its habitat has been disturbed by clearing.
In perfect circumstances, this bush which can develop as much as 3 metres tall, and in season, may be covered 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 kinds of insects as well as small nectar feeding and insectivorous birds.
When taking the time to look into the bush it's potential to watch some of the bugs that choose to stay in its neighborhood.
This specific species is typically used in gardens, particularly those that includes a variety of native plants. When stored compact by pruning it presents nicely as a seasonal specimen plant.
The identify “Tick Bush” apparently comes from people observing that some native animals like to put below the bush. It was thought that the fragrant oil content material of the foliage could deter ticks and mites.
Growing in an analogous habitat is the less widespread Kunzea capitata (Pink Kunzea). This smaller selection may grow to round 1.5 metres excessive, and might be in flower typically from September to October.
Hidden in the Hills Kunzeas have small white pin head measurement globular dots at the ends of the stamens. Several flowers are clustered together towards the ends of branches which have a distinctive reddish-brown colouration.
This shrub is usually extra compact than its relative. It too can be grown as an ornamental specimen in a house native backyard.