| Kunzea sp. "Wadbilliga" | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Rosids |
| Order: | Myrtales |
| Family: | Myrtaceae |
| Genus: | Kunzea |
| Species: | Kunzea sp. 'Wadbilliga' |
| Synonyms | |
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Kunzea sp. "Wadbilliga" is an informally recognized low-growing shrub of the Myrtaceae family found in the southeastern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia.
The habitat is over 1000 metres (3500 ft) above sea level, usually in heathland. It occurs at Big Badja and similar sites in Deua National Park and Wadbilliga National Park, such as Mount Throsby.
The plant community where Kunzea sp. "Wadbilliga" is found, is known as Southern Montane Heath. Within this community is a group of plants on the escarpment heath. Associate species include Allocasuarina nana, Banksia canei, Brachyloma daphnoides, Euryomyrtus denticulata, Hakea dactyloides, Hibbertia pedunculata, Westringia kydrensis and Isopogon prostratus.[1] Kunzea sp. "Wadbilliga" is yet to be scientifically described and named, but appears to be related to Kunzea capitata.[2]
It grows to between 20 centimetres and a metre (8 in – 3 ft) in height, with a broad spread. Leaves are tiny, reverse ovate in shape, 2 to 6 mm long, 1 to 3 mm wide. White flowers form in summer. The fruiting capsule is around 4 mm long and 2 and a half mm in diameter, it splits open to release the seeds.[3]
A cultivar named Kunzea "Badja Carpet" is commercially available, having been registered with the Australian Cultivar Registration Authority (ACRA) in 1979 after successful propagation at the Australian National Botanic Gardens in Canberra in 1974.[4] This plant is suitable as a frost resistant groundcover in sunny situations. The fluffy white flowers and red stems of new growth are appealing features. It regenerates well from cuttings.[2]