Kunzea ambigua

Tick bush

Family: Myrtaceae

Kunzea ambigua is a tall spreading shrub 2- 4m high. It is sometimes confused with Tea Tree (Leptospermum), but is distinguished by the 'fluffy' appearance of the flowers, caused by numerous long stamens. It is fairly common in heaths and woodlands on sandstone.

The leaves are tiny, 5-12mm by 1-2mm, crowded on short lateral branches. They are covered in oil dots.

The white flowers have 5 petals which are almost hidden by the many longer stamens when the flower is open. They are very attractive to butterflies and several kinds of pollinating flies.

Kunzea ambigua flowers from October to December.