The Environment

Streamside planting guide

Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides)

Kanuka forms either a shrub or tree with grey, flaky bark. The leaves are aromatic. The narrow leaves are brown-green, quite thick, soft and typically 4-12 mm long by 1-2 mm wide.

The clusters of white flowers are followed by capsules, which are present most of the year. The flowers are 3-6 mm in diameter. The capsules are narrow.

Compared to manuka, kanuka leaves are less sharp, the capsules are smaller, the leaves are more aromatic, and the flowers are in clusters.

Kanuka, photo: K McCombs