What is a kunzea?
Kunzea is a type of shrub that can be found in various locations in Australia. There are over 60 of different species of kunzea that belong to the Myrtaceae family. Kunzea was named after a German naturalist Gustav Kunze in the late 1700s.
Kunzea grow two to four metres high, have small leaves and often form dense thickets. Their bark is fibrous and furrowed, often hanging from the branches of the plant. They develop small white flowers in spring and summer.
In Sydney a common species is Kunzea ambigua, commonly known as tick bush. Originally people thought the plants provided protection from ticks and mites leading to the common name of tick bush.
Where is kunzea found?
The majority of kunzea species are found in coastal regions of New South Wales, Queensland, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Kunzea ambigua grows on shallow sandy soils commonly found in Sydney’s eucalypt forests. It also grows in similar environments in Tasmania and Northern New South Wales.
Kunzea ambigua can be found in the drier parts of the Field of Mars Reserve. It is so abundant that one track has been named after it.
What role does kunzea play in the ecosystem?
The thickets created by kunzea provide an ideal habitat for many species. Animals shelter in the thickets. Ringtail possums build dreys (nests) in the dense foliage. This provides protection from aerial predators such as powerful owls. Invertebrates hide and feed amongst the small leaves and in the fibrous bark. Small birds such as the superb fairy wren feed on the invertebrates hidden in the leaves and bark.
As kunzea grows, it drops small leaves to the ground. These leaves help to create a thick layer of leaf litter. As the leaf litter decomposes it creates favourable conditions for other plants to grow.
How is kunzea used by Aboriginal Peoples?
Aboriginal Peoples in the Sydney region use kunzea for medicine, food and shelter.
The leaves contain antibacterial qualities and are used to treat wounds. They are also used to create a paste to help repel insects. The small flowers are abundant in nectar and used as a sweet treat. The branches are used to help create shelters.
What structural adaptations does kunzea have to its environment?
Kunzea leaves are small, hard and woody meaning they do not require a lot of water or nutrients to grow.
How does kunzea reproduce?
Kunzea plants produce small white flowers that are full of nectar and are attractive to many pollinating animals including beetles, possums and birds. After pollination seeds develop within the flower.
The seeds are small and lightweight. Once the seeds are ready they are released from the seed capsule. Some of these seeds will be carried by the wind to new locations.
