Plants in the genus Kunzea are shrubs or small trees, usually with their leaves arranged alternately along the branches.

[3] Kunzeas are similar to species in other genera of the Myrtaceae, especially Leptospermum but are distinguished from that genus by having stamens that are longer than the petals.

[6] Reichenbach named the genus after his "distinguished friend", the German naturalist Gustav Kunze, professor of botany in Leipzig.

Kunzea ambigua is described as a "handsome shrub which attracts numerous birds and colourful soldier beetles when in flower".

[4] Kunzea capitata and K. pulchella are red-flowering species from Western Australia and are described as "indeed outstanding" although they are sometimes difficult to establish in eastern states and need to be grafted onto hardier rootstock.