Rare Pink Flannel Flower

The Blue Mountains are experiencing new life after the fires ravaged our beautiful country in 2019/2020.
These ultra rare pink flannel flowers are in bloom in their thousands bringing new life to a landscape that is still charred. While not endangered as a species they appear so infrequently that many bush walkers have never seen them. The seeds can lay dormant for years on end ,waiting for a special confluence of events forming the right conditions for their emergence-a year or so after a bushfire followed by rainfall.

comments (7)

Ruth Spigelman

Lion

It is just wonderful to see these beauties in the nature groups, articles and pages I'm involved with. Thank you for sharing here. A common name for them is bushfire ephemerals, which I think is lovely. These past two summers couldn't be in more contrast could they? Posted 4 years ago

Neptune

Lion

Thanks Ruth! Bushfire ephemerals is a great name I agree! I also like the fact that the genus name Actinotus means ‘bearing rays’ referring to radiating bracts. It also sums up what pink flannel flowers bring the ravaged country-a ray of hope and renewal!
I went to a few locations today with no luck however when I eventually found these I felt so blessed! Posted 4 years ago

Ernst

Lion

I spend 6 weeks in East Kurrajong during the bushfires in November and December . It was terrifying to see mushrooming smoke clouds where ever you looked.
I did search for this beautiful flower but never had such luck. Maybe it was just to dry for most native Flora at that time. I just have to come back some time. Posted 4 years ago

Neptune

Lion

Yes it was a very frightening time for us however we have had a season of unprecedented rain and cool weather so we are slowly seeing the bush regenerate! Posted 4 years ago

Christine Young

Lion

Today's Facebook post:

The pink flannel flower (Actinotus forsythia) is a very special plant. Native to the east coast of Australia, it is quite rare and years can go by without any sightings of this delicate beauty. It has very particular growing requirements with the ideal conditions occurring a year or so after a bushfire followed by rain.

The aftermath of last year’s wildfires has provided the opportunity for these gorgeous flowers to bloom and bring life back to a healing landscape. {Spotted in New South Wales, Australia by Neptune} #JungleDragon #Pinkflannelflower #Actinotusforsythia

https://www.facebook.com/jungledragonwildlife Posted 4 years ago
1. Neptune
  
  Lion
  
  Thanks Christine Posted 4 years ago
2. 1. Christine Young
    
    Lion
    
    You're welcome! It's so encouraging and wonderful to see growth after the fires <3. Posted 4 years ago

The Pink Flannel Flower

''Actinotus forsythii'', the pink flannel flower or ridge flannel flower), is a plant in the family Apiaceae, native to the east coast of Australia, and found in New South Wales and Victoria.

Info 5 0

Similar species: Ginseng And Carrots

Species identified by Neptune