Pink Turkey Bush

~ Calytrix exstipulata ~

MALVACEAE

This stunning shrub gets coated throughout the dry season in thousands of pink star-shaped flowers, transforming the dry bushlands each year. Its large, low canopy provides shade for wallabies and it may get its name from protecting the Bush Turkey (Ardeotis australis) from hunters. Like a lot of its Myrtle family members, the Pink Turkey Bush contains essential oils with therapeutic properties, as well as perfumed blossoms.

WHERE TO LOOK

Turkey Bush can be found lighting up the dry season on rocky outcrops, in woodlands, in grasslands and along watercourses throughout the tropical top-end of Queensland, Northern Territory and Western Australia. They’re known to hang out in groups beside roadsides and walking tracks in Kakadu.

Locations → Queensland: Boodjamulla (Lawn Hill) National Park; WA: Thegoowiyeng (Kellys Knob Lookout), Kununurra; NT: Kakadu National Park, Nitmiluk (Katherine Gorge) National Park, the Cascades in Litchfield National Park, Howard Springs and Casuarina Coastal Reserve.

FEATURES

Blooming from the Myrtle family, these flowers have a bottlebrush-like centre surrounded by five pink sepals that create a star-like appearance. A galaxy of pink, red and white scented flowers cover the 1–4m shrub, which features pine-like leaves.

FLOWERING SEASON

Autumn to spring → You’ll see flowers from March through to September.

TRADITIONAL USES

According to Parks Australia, the Bininj People of West Arnhem Land in the Northern Territory make an insect repellent by crushing the leaves and flowers and applying it to their skin. They mix the leaves and flowers with hot water to make a liniment for sore muscles. The wood is used for firewood and to make clapsticks, woomeras and prongs for spears.

PLANTING

The Pink Turkey Bush does love its tropical climates but can be cultivated further south as long as it doesn’t run into frost and is kept in well-draining soil.