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Kunzea ericoides Kanuka, white tea tree

April 21st 2004

 Kunzea  ericoides                                                                                          Kanuka

The very light seed of Kanuka is wind dispersed and produced in abundance. These plants are colonisers of bare ground.
They form an important stage in the succession of the bush and provide an important nursery for other larger, long lived, species.
Light is needed for germination.
Sow finely on a fine seeds raising mix.

How do you tell the difference between Kanuka and manuka?
Kanuka
  • Is taller up. to 16m.

  • Has a softer foliage to touch than manuka

  • Has flowers in bunches or groups and flowers after manuka, usally in December. Flowers are white.

  • has smaller seeds capsules tham Manuka.
Manuka
  • Is a smaller shrub or tree than Kanuka.

  • Has a prickly foliage to touch

  • Has singular flowers that are larger than Kanuka. May have a red colour to the flower.

  • Flowers in Spring. October.

  • Has larger seed capsules than Kanuka.

Leptospermum scoparium Manuka

manuka flowers

Kunzea ericoides Kanuka

kanuka flowers

If you wish to learn more about native plants I suggest one of these natural history books from fishpond

Life-size Guide to New Zealand Native Ferns: Featuring the Caterpillars Which Feed on ThemA Field Guide to the Native Edible Plants of New ZealandGardener's Encyclopaedia of NZ Native PlantsTrees and Shrubs of New ZealandThe Reed Field Guide to New Zealand Native Trees

Bookstore

 

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