Kunzea leptospermoides

Yarra Burgan

Dense to open weeping shrub with downy stems. Bark on the young branchlets peels in long strips.

Additional information

• SynonymKunzea ericoides - now a New Zealand species; Leptospermum phylicoides
• FamilyMyrtaceae
• StoreyMiddle storey
• Size2-5 m x 2-4 m
• Plant groupingShrubs 1.5-10 m
• LeavesNarrow dark green leaves 5-15 mm x 1-1.5 mm, widest in the middle.
• Flower colourWhite
• Flowering timeNovember to February
• FlowersMasses of flowers to 10 mm across with up to 25 stamens, in axils towards the end of branches. Calyx lobes pointed; flower stalk, to 3 mm, somewhat hairy with hairs standing erect. Capsules deciduous.
• Bird attractingHabitat - nesting and/or safety
• Butterfly attractingNectar for butterflies
• Frog habitatNo
• Growing conditionsPlants occur on gravelly slopes of riparian forests and forest margins in moist well drained soils. The most common species for the Shire.
• Garden useExcellent screen plant. Plants can spread forming a dense scrub in cleared areas. Tolerates hard pruning.
• Commercially availableAustralian plant & indigenous nurseries
• Conservation statusWidespread within the Shire
• Related speciesKunzea ericoides has been separated into 3 local species. Kunzea peduncularis differs in that bark on young branchlets breaks into square pieces, flowers > 45 stamens, calyx lobe tips are blunt, flower stalks may have a few scattered hairs spreading upwards and leaves are broader. Intermediate plants can occur when the 2 species are located in close proximity. Kunzea sp. has broader leaves with longer glabrous flower stalks & occurs in the lower foothills. K. sp. (Upright form) may ocur in the Montrose area. It has fibrous bark, lance-shaped leaves which are broadest at the tip, 8-25 mm long, with fine hairs along the margins. Flowers and fruit are larger than K. leptospermoides and calyx lobes are rounded.

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