Helichrysum petiolare
Helichrysum petiolare is one of the best known and the most commonly used helichrysums in South Africa, easy to grow, with beautiful velvety silver foliage.
Helichrysum petiolare Description
A soft, vigorous shrub, which grows 0.5m – 1m x 1m. The dense, aromatic foliage consists of roundish leaves which are covered with silver-grey hairs.Many tiny yellow flowers form small flowerheads, surrounded by creamy-white, papery floral bracts, that are arranged in inflorescences, on long stalks, and add to the decorative effect of this plant in midsummer
Helichrysum petiolare Distribution and natural habitat
Helichrysum petiolare occurs in the drier inland parts, sheltered slopes and forest margins of the Western Cape (Cederburg and Jonkershoek Mountains), Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal.
Derivation of Helichrysum petiolare and historical aspects
The name Helichrysum is derived from the Greek helios meaning ‘sun’ and chrysos meaning ‘gold’, although not all species have golden flowers; petiolare refers to long leaf stalks.
Helichrysum petiolare is one of the best known and the most commonly used members of this genus which consists of about 245 species and is found throughout South Africa. Other members that are sometimes found in gardens include Helichrysum splendidum, Helichrysum argrophyllum, Helichrysum umbraculigerum, Helichrysum populifolium, and Helichrysum nudifolium which is mainly used medicinally.
Ecology
The silvery leaves reflect the heat and the hairs help prevent water loss, making this plant very water-wise. The honey-scented flowers attract a variety of pollinating insects, including honeybees. The seeds are small, lightweight, with tuft of bristly hairs at one end, and are dispersed by wind.
Helichrysum petiolare Uses
Ailments such as coughs, colds and infections are treated with this popular medicinal plant. The leaves are used by Rastafarians to make an infusion to treat asthma, chest problems and high blood pressure. The smoke of the burning leaves is inhaled as a pain reliever. The leaves are also widely used on wounds to prevent infection.
The Khoikhoi used the leaves and flowers as bedding; campers still do the same today. Burning a mixture of Helichrysum and Artemisia afra leaves, makes a pleasant insect repellent. It is very effective at keeping flies and mosquitoes away.
Growing
This plant can be propagated from cuttings or from seed sown in autumn (March). It should be planted in full sun in well-drained soil. This decorative plant spreads rapidly and should be cut back occasionally.
The cultivar Helichrysum petiolare ‘Limelight’ has luminescent yellow-green foliage in place of the usual grey. It does well in semi-shade and looks good inter-planted with dark coloured foliage plants to create interesting contrasts. It is short lived and need replacing every 2 years.
The small-leaved forms such as the cultivar ‘Petite’ are as tough and easy to grow as the normal form, but are smaller plants, and more manageable, and better suited to smaller gardens.
Text and images again from the superb South African national Biodiversity Institute
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