Kunzea ericoides in the strict sense is a New Zealand species.In eastern Australia, the name has been applied to a very diverse range of plants that vary in habit, leaf shape, indumentum and branching. No taxonomic resolution of the Australian populations has been made yet[]

Common Name: Kanuka

General Information

Leptospermum ericoides is an evergreen shrub or a small tree that can grow up to 5 metres tall.
The plant is harvested from the wild for local use as a food, medicine and source of materials.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

,

Range

Australia - South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland; New Zealand - North and South Islands.

Habitat

Lowland to montane shrubland, especially on margins, from sea level to 900 metres[, ]. Grows in heath and sclerophyll forest, common at higher elevations; often along watercourses[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Medicinal Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Shrub
Height	3.00 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Wild

Cultivation Details

Kunzea ericoides is not very cold-hardy, tolerating temperatures down to about -5°c when fully dormant, though there are montane forms that might be hardier[]. It only succeeds outdoors in the milder areas of the temperate zone[].
Succeeds in almost any neutral or acid soil of good or reasonable quality, preferring a light sandy loam and full sun[]. Grows best in an acid sandy soil[]. Prefers a position sheltered from hot or cold drying winds[].
Resentful of root disturbance, plants should be pot grown and planted out in their final positions as soon as possible[].
The flowers have a delicate sweet perfume[].
Plants do not regenerate from old wood[].
Plants in this genus are notably resistant to honey fungus[].

Edible Uses

A refreshing tea can be made from the young shoot tips[, ].

Medicinal

The leaves and young shoots are antihalitosis, antiphlogistic, astringent, depurative, sedative and stomachic.
An essential oil from the plant is vermifuge and antibacterial[].
The Maori also used the pounded seed capsules to make a poultice (dressing) for running sores[].

Other Uses

An essential oil obtained from the plant has insecticidal properties[].

The bark was used for making water containers, whilst the inner bark has been used as a waterproof layer for roofing[].

The red wood is straight-grained, hard, dense, elastic and durable. It is usually only available in small dimensions, being used for items such as inlay, wheelwright's work, shingles, tool handles, fencing etc[, , ].
A first class fuel, when burned, it gives off a delicious aroma[].

Propagation

Seed - sow spring in a greenhouse and only just cover the seed. Prick out the seedlings into individual pots when they are large enough to handle and grow them on in the greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant out in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts, and give some protection from the cold for their first winter or two outdoors. The seed remains viable for many years.
Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5 - 8 cm with a heel, early August in a frame. Over-winter in the greenhouse for its first year and plant out after the last expected frosts. Good percentage[].
Cuttings of almost mature wood, 4 - 5 cm with a heel, autumn in a frame. Good percentage[].