Kunzea
species: Many years ago we were given some plant material from an
unknown Kunzea. The
material was collected during a flora survey of the Warrumbungle Ranges in
north west of NSW. It is reputed to be a hybrid between Kunzea parvifolia and
Kunzea ambigua. Regardless of its parentage, this medium shrub has
proved to be hardy and free flowering. We have numerous specimens scattered
through the gardens at Yallaroo. The plants have small, aromatic leaves,
upright growth habit and are covered with mauve flowers in spring. This is one
of our most colourful spring flowering natives.
Kunzeas are members of the Myrtaceae family. Their flowers are similar in
structure to those of the Leptospermums or Tea Trees. Their capsules release
their seeds at maturity. Their flowers are rich in nectar but because
individual blooms are small exotic honeybees usually ignore them. This makes
the flowers an important food source for native insects.
All Kunzeas propagate readily from cuttings.