# Actinotus

**Family:** Apiaceae

_**Actinotus**_ is a genus of flowering plants in the family [Apiaceae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apiaceae), subfamily [Mackinlayoideae](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mackinlayoideae), with about 18 species. It is native to [Australasia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Australasia). Its best known member is the [flannel flower](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinotus_helianthi), a common site in [Sydney](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney) bushland in the spring. The generic name, meaning “furnished with rays” is derived from the [Greek](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ancient_Greek) stem _aktin-_/ακτιν- “ray” or “sunbeam”.

Most species are endemic to Australia with one from [New Zealand](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_Zealand). Other notable species are _[A. schwarzii](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Actinotus_schwarzii&action=edit&redlink=1)_ from the [Macdonnell Ranges](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Macdonnell_Ranges) in [Central Australia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Central_Australia), which closely resembles _A. helianthi_ in appearance, and the rare pink-flowering _[A. forsythii](https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Actinotus_forsythii&action=edit&redlink=1)_ from the [Blue Mountains](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Mountains_(Australia)).

[**Source:** Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Actinotus)