Actinotus helianthi facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Actinotus helianthi |
|
|---|---|
 |
|
| At Henry Head Track, Botany Bay National Park | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Actinotus
|
| Species: |
helianthi
|
 |
|
| Occurrence data from AVH | |
The flannel flower (scientific name: Actinotus helianthi) is a well-known flowering plant. It grows naturally in the bushland around Sydney, Australia.
Even though it looks a lot like a daisy, the flannel flower is actually part of the Apiaceae family. This is the same plant family that carrots belong to! Its common name, "flannel flower," comes from its soft, fuzzy feel, just like flannel fabric. The scientific name Actinotus means "furnished with rays" in Greek, referring to its ray-like petals. The second part, helianthi, means it looks similar to a sunflower.
This plant is a symbol of Sydney. People love its unique look, and it's sometimes grown in gardens or used as a cut flower. You might also find it growing near its cousin, the lesser flannel flower (A. minor).
Contents
What Does It Look Like?
The flannel flower is usually a small, herbaceous shrub. It typically grows up to 50 centimeters (about 18 inches) tall. However, some rare plants can reach up to 1.5 meters (5 feet) high!
The stems, branches, and leaves of the plant are a light grey color. They are covered in soft, downy hairs, which makes them feel like flannel. The leaves are shaped in an attractive way, with lobes, and can be up to 10 cm (4 inches) long and 7 cm (3 inches) wide.
The flowerheads look like daisies and are usually about 5 to 8 cm (2–3 inches) across. The special leaves around the flowers, called bracts, are creamy white. Flannel flowers bloom in spring. They can have many flowers, especially after bushfires.
Where Does It Grow?
Flannel flowers grow in sandstone heathland areas. You can find them along the coast of New South Wales and Queensland. They are very common around the Sydney area, especially during spring.
Growing Flannel Flowers
You can grow flannel flowers from seeds or from cuttings. They prefer to grow in sunny spots with soil that drains well. They are a good choice for a rockery or a cottage garden.
The Mount Annan Botanic Garden has worked on creating new types of flannel flowers. These new types are better for home gardens and for the cut flower industry. One special type was named Actinotus 'Federation Star'. It was chosen to be the floral emblem for New South Wales during the Centenary of Federation (1901–2001). This celebrated 100 years since Australia became a nation.
Flannel Flowers in Art and Culture
The flannel flower is a well-known plant in Sydney. It has been used in many artworks and images since the early days of the colony.
For example, in St Bede's Church in Drummoyne, Sydney, there is a beautiful stained-glass window called "The Waratah Window." This window was made by Alfred Handel in the early 1900s. It shows different Australian native flowers, including the waratah (the emblem of New South Wales), Christmas bells, wattles, and flannel flowers.
The flannel flower is also the emblem of the Sydney Bush Walkers' club, which was started in 1927.
Images for kids
-
Flowers and leaves
-
A close-up of a flannel flower seedhead
-
The Waratah window in Drummoyne, Sydney, featuring flannel flowers
External Links
- ASGAP page on Actinotus helianthi
