Helichrysum genus
Everlasting, Immortelle, Strawflower
Image from Prof. Dr. Otto Wilhelm Thomé Flora von Deutschland, Österreich und der Schweiz 1885
History and Etymology: The name of the genus Helichrysum comes from the Greek words "helios," meaning "sun," and "chrysos", meaning "gold". They are native to Africa, Europe, Asia and Australia, with over 200 species total.
Flower Symbolism: Everlastings (unsurprisingly) most often symbolize never ending love, and remembrance.
Fun Facts:
Helichrysum italicum, or Italian strawflower, is often used for essential oils and cooking due to its strong aroma and color! This species only grows around the Mediterranean, hence the name.
This genus is in the Asteraceae family, shared by flowers like sunflowers, daisies, and dandelions!
In 1990, many species under this genus were classified under a new genus. Xerochrysum. I cannot tell the difference between them!
Sources below!
