Everlasting

Helichrysum petiolare

Scientific name

It is cultivated for its foliage effect and as groundcover. This plant prefers sun to part-shade with well-drained soil, being susceptible to root rot. The foliage has a faint licorice aroma.

The Helichrysum species are used as Imphepho grow abundantly in South Africa, Swaziland and Lesotho but especially around coastal areas apart from the largely arid Northern Cape province. The plants grow abundantly in gardens and in the wild, for this reason most Imphepho is wild harvested and commercial cultivation in South Africa is unknown. Helichrysum species used as Imphepho are hardy and adaptable, they can grow in a wide variety of soil types, are drought resistant, wind resistant and can survive light frost.

Leaves, flowers, stems, and sometimes roots used traditionally to induce relaxation and lucid dreaming, and during prayer to bring the ancestors closer. (Sustainable Livelihoods Foundation. 2015. The Wild Harvesting of Plant Medicines in Cape Town)

References and further reading

PlantZAfrica profile »

Wikipedia page »