Actinotus Labill.

14 species endemic Aust.; all states and territories except S.A.

Herbs, perennial or appearing annual by flowering in the first season, sometimes becoming woody. Leaves ternately divided. Umbels simple, surrounded by a radiating involucre of white or slightly coloured often very woolly or tomentose bracts, the whole having the appearance of a composite Asteraceae flower. Flowers very numerous, crowded; the outer ones often male. Calyx lobed or truncate. Petals absent or 5. Ovary 1-locular, with 2 styles. Fruit ovate, 1-seeded, compressed, without vittae, 5-ribbed.