Kunzea

Kunzea is a genus of 36-40 species of shrub in the myrtle family Myrtaceae. They are endemic to Australia with one species extending to New Zealand. They are found throughout the Australian continent with most species occurring in southwestern Western Australia. In appearance they resemble the closely-related Callistemon genus, but differ in the arrangement of the stamens.

The genus was named after German naturalist Gustav Kunze, professor of botany in Leipzig.

Several species of Kunzea are weeds in the fynbos regions of southern South Africa


Species
Kunzea ericifolia (Spearwood) is an erect woody evergreen shrub that is endemic to Western Australia. The plant has been cultivated for many years as an ornamental plant. It is easily propagated by seed or by cutting. Studies have found that Kunzea ericifolia contains a powerful natural insectide (called ericfolione) that has been extracted from the plant using hexane.

Kunzea ambigua, commonly known as the White Kunzea, Poverty Bush or Tick Bush, is a common shrub of the myrtaceae family found on sandstone soils in eastern Australia. Growing up to 5 m (16 ft) high and wide, it bears small white flowers in spring. Used in native gardening, it attracts native insects. It is also used in amenities planting and sand dune stabilization. It was one of the first species of Australian plant introduced into cultivation in England. It is a hardy and adaptable plant that is used in windbreaks and sand dune stabilization plantings, as well as gardens, particularly in Australian gardens using native plants according to principles of natural landscaping. The species attracts Australian native insects, and can provide shelter for small birds and the Long-nosed Bandicoot.

Kunzea ericoides (Kānuka or White tea-tree) is a tree which is endemic to New Zealand.

Kunzea glabrescens is a species of Australian shrub known by the common name spearwood. It grows 1.5 to 4 metres high in sandy soil and bears yellow flowers in October and November.

Kunzea pomifera - Muntries, also known as emu apples, native cranberries, munthari, muntaberry or monterry - are low-growing plants found along the southern coast of Australia. The berries produced by these plants are about 1 cm in diameter, green with a tinge of red at maturity and have a flavour of a spicy apple. Kunzea pomifera was grown in England in 1889.It was one of the first species of Australian plant introduced into cultivation in England.

Kunzea parviflora

Kunzea baxteri

Kunzea flavescens

Kunzea bracteolata

Kunzea parvifolia

Kunzea cambagei

Kunzea muelleri

Kunzea obovata

Kunzea pulchella

Kunzea opposita

Kunzea capitata

Kunzea parvifolium

Tacca

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Some species
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