Kunzea

What is a kunzea?

Kunzea is a type of  shrub  that can be found in many ecosystems 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 2 to 4 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.

Kunzea shrubs can grow close together to form a thicket.

The bark from a kunzea is used by some animals to create a habitat. Notice the spider webs.

Kunzea shrubs flower in spring and summer

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 higher and drier parts of the  Field of Mars Reserve. It is so abundant that one track has been named after it.

The kunzea track in the Field of Mars Reserve

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 nests, called dreys, 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.

Ring-tail possums often build their nesting drey in kunzea using kunzea branches and bark.

A leaf curling spider's egg sack hanging from a kunzea branch.

Many insects feed on kunzea flowers. As they feed they also pollinate the flowers.

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 and hard which minimises water loss. They do not require a lot of water or nutrients to grow.

Kunzea has small leaves to help survive in dry environments.

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.

Kunzea flowers contain nectar that is very attractive to many animals.

Kunzea seeds are tiny. They are protected in a seed capsule until they are released.

Eucalypt forest digital book

Find out more

Written by teachers, Eucalypt Forest is an exciting digital book which explores the beautiful natural environment of the Australian eucalyptus forest.

Learn about the interactions between plants and animals in the forest and how people can interact with and care for these special natural areas.

Containing a suite of interactive activities, videos and beautiful images, this book will encourage you to go out and explore your local eucalypt forest.

Download free from Apple Books