Botanical name:

Kunzea tenuicaulis

Common name(s):

Geothermal kānuka

About:

K. tenuicaulis is a shrub or small, much-branched tree that thrives in the unique geothermal areas of the Taupo Volcanic Zone. The bark, which is a distinctive grey colour, is loose and tends to flake readily. It features early flowering, with blossoms that are white, measuring up to 9 mm in diameter, and are typically borne in dense clusters that add to the plant's visual appeal.

Natural habitat:

Kunzea tenuicaulis is one of the dominant shrub or small trees inhabiting active geothermal fields and the ground in the immediate vicinity of these.

Growing environment:

Geothermal, Sun, Wetland & Wind tolerant.

Endemic distribution:

New Zealand’s North Island around the Central Volcanic Field from Kawerau south to Tokaanu on the southern side of Lake Taupo.

Height: 8m

Flowering:

August – January with a white coloured flower/s.

Fruiting:

December-February with a small dry capsule 1.0–3.3 × 1.6–3.2 mm

Uses:

Bird food / Attractant, Bee food, Riparian plantings.

How to grow:

Easily grown from fresh seed. Can be grown (with great difficulty) from semi-hardwood cuttings.

** Seed germinates without pre-treatment. 4 weeks cold stratification will help speed this up though.