Cultivar 'Badja Carpet' Rank Species | Genus Kunzea | |
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Origin Natural populations from New South Wales, Australia Similar Kunzea, Kunzea capitata, Kunzea parvifolia, Kunzea ambigua, Kennedia prostrata | ||
Kunzea 'Badja Carpet' is cultivar of Kunzea. It is a low-growing shrub of the Myrtaceae family found in the southeastern tablelands of New South Wales, Australia. It is similar to Kunzea capitata, but it has a lower growth form and white rather than pink flowers. Because of these differences it may represent a distinct species. However, it has not been formally named scientifically and is referred to by several informal designations, including Kunzea sp. "Wadbilliga".
Contents
The habitat is over 1000 metres (3500 ft) above sea level, usually in heathland. It occurs at Big Badja Hill and similar sites in Deua National Park and Wadbilliga National Park, such as Mount Throsby.
The plant community where Kunzea 'Badja Carpet' 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.
Description
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.
Cultivation
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. 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.