Correa species, often called native fuchsias, are beloved for their tubular flowers, soft foliage, and tolerance of shade and dry conditions. They’re a mainstay in native gardens and increasingly popular in designed landscapes for their elegance and adaptability. But they also contribute several resources for our native fauna.
Correa alba ‘COR10’ PBR Trade Name Coastal Pink™. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/coastal-pink-correa-copes-well-with-coastal-winds/
Nectarivorous Birds
Yes – High Value
Correa is an outstanding resource for small nectar-feeding birds, especially honeyeaters such as the eastern spinebill. Its pendant, tubular flowers are perfectly shaped for these specialised feeders. Since many Correa species flower in cooler months, they provide essential off-season nectar when few other plants are in bloom.
Fruit Eating Birds
No – Not Applicable
Correa plants do not produce fleshy or appealing fruits for frugivorous birds. Their seed capsules are small and dry, offering no real food value in this category.
Seed Eating Birds
Unknown – Minimal Likelihood
There’s little evidence to suggest that granivorous birds feed on Correa seeds. The seeds are small, hard, and not abundant, so they likely go unnoticed by seed-eaters.
Insectivorous Birds
Yes – Especially in Shrubby Forms
Correa’s dense, shrubby habit creates shelter for insects and spiders, as well as having flowers that attract pollinating insects, which in turn attracts small insectivorous birds. Wrens, fantails, and thornbills may forage among the foliage or use the plant for cover, particularly in more naturalistic settings, dense plantings, or urban bushland edges.
Pollen Feeding Insects
Yes – Excellent Support
Correa is regularly visited by native bees and beetles that collect pollen as part of their foraging behaviour. The flower shape excludes some insect groups, but insects with longer mouth parts often successful. Use a groundcover with an open flower such as Carpobrotus to account for insects that don’t have a long mouth part. https://www.ozbreed.com.au/plant-ranges/native-shrubs-groundcovers/
Nectar Feeding Insects
Yes – Particularly Native Bees
Small native bees and nectar-feeding flies are occasional visitors to Correa flowers, especially where competition from birds is low. The tubular flower structure means access is somewhat limited, so, again, large-bodies or short-tongued insects may not benefit.
Buzz Pollinated Flowers
No – Not Buzz-Pollinated
Correa flowers release pollen passively, without requiring vibration. This makes them compatible with a range of small generalist and specialist pollinators, including but not limited to buzz pollinators.
Habitat for Desirable Insect Larvae
Unknown – Some Potential
There is little published research on larval associations, but the compact form and consistent foliage may provide habitat for beneficial insect life stages, such as predator larvae or parasitic wasps. As a hedge or shrub, Correa adds habitat structure and microclimate buffering to planting palettes.
Final Thoughts for Specifiers
Correa’s true strength lies in winter nectar provision for small birds and insects, and its refuge value for understorey fauna. It’s especially useful in shaded or dry sites where few other pollinator plants thrive. For landscape designs seeking seasonal continuity and subtle wildlife support, Correa deserves serious consideration.
){kind=link}