Kunzea capitata

Kunzea capitata is a shrub species in the family Myrtaceae. It is native to New South Wales in Australia.

Description

Kunzea capitata has a spreading or erect habit and may grow up to in height, but is usually within the range of. Flowers are pink to purple, or occasionally white. These are produced on the branch ends in "heads". Leaves are long and wide, with recurved tips and long petioles.

Taxonomy

The species was first formally described by English botanist James Smith in 1797 in Transactions of the Linnean Society of London, and given the name Metrosideos capitata. In 1846, Gustav Heynhold transferred the species to Kunzea as K. capitata. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin word caput meaning 'head', alluding to the arrangement of the flowers.

Distribution and habitat

The species occurs in heathland and dry sclerophyll forest from the Ulladulla district northward to Richmond River.

Use in horticulture

The species prefers a moist soil in a lightly shaded to sunny position. It is readily propagated by either seed or cuttings.