Kunzea ericoides

Kunzea ericoides is a species of the genus Kunzea within the myrtle family ( Myrtaceae ). Until 1983, this species was classified in the genus Leptospermum. " Kanuka " is one of the trivial names of the Māori ( māori ) for this species, other names are manuka Rauriki ( directly translated: small-leaved Manuka ), Maru, Mānuoea and Rawiri (English: White tea -tree ).

Description

Kunzea ericoides grows as a shrub or tree. Copies in New Zealand reach stature heights of up to 30 meters and trunk diameter of up to 1 meter. With its small, but very numerous white flowers of the tree can color a whole hillside white so that it looks like snow.

Leptospermum scoparium and Kunzea ericoides are often confused as externally similar species. However, Kunzea ericoides leaves are soft, the sting of Leptospermum scoparium.

Occurrence

Kunzea ericoides is used in Australia and New Zealand. In Australia, Kunzea ericoides occurs in the states of South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. It is particularly common in near-coastal bushland and colonized land that lies fallow after fires or abandonment of agriculture. There are reports of an occurrence at an altitude of up to 2000 meters.

Use

The wood of Kunzea ericoides is very hard and, although it is not permanently preserved in the ground, used for piles of wharves and for tool handles. It is particularly popular as firewood because it burns at a high temperature.

Kakariki Parrots use the bark and leaves of Kunzea ericoides and Leptospermum scoparium, to fight their parasites. On one hand, they eat the plant parts, on the other hand they chew the material and carry it, mixed with the secretions of the preen gland on their feathers.

The plant is often visited by honey bees. The gathered by the bees honey is regionally called Kanuka honey.