Actinotus helianthi
English: Flannel flower.
Name: from the Greek aktin meaning ray, spoke of a wheel or sunbeam.
Genus: 20 species.
Region: Australia, around Sydney.
Habitat: bushland; sandstone heathland; well-drained; sunny; rockery or cottage garden.
Culture: the 'Federation Star', a cultivar of Actinotus was the New South Wales floral emblem for the Centenary of Federation; iconic Sydney plant, used in imagery and art.
Use: ornamental, cut flower industry.
Taxonomy
Actinotus is similar to Asteraceae. Formerly it was placed in Mackinlayaceae. Now Mackinlayaceae is placed as a subfamily in Apiaceae.
Botany
Herbaceous shrub, growing up to 50 cm high, sometimes 1.5 m high.
Stem: pale grey, branches and l
Leaves: pale grey; covered in downy hair, like flannel in texture; lobed; up to 10 cm long and 7 cm wide.
Flowers: daisy-shaped; ± 5 cm diameter; bracts are cream to white; flowering in spring, profuse after bushfires.