Everlasting sun-gold

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Helichrysum sanguineum is hemicryptophyte plant belongs to Asteraceae family. It grows wild in the Mediterranean region. The genus of this plant is represented by approximately 300 species in the world. The species are aromatic plants, commonly known as everlasting, immortal flower and fadeless flower. The stem is woolly -tomentose and reach up to 30cm height.  The leaves are alternate on the stem, rosette and entire. Leaves strongly decurrent, more or less glandular. The flowers are Hermaphrodite; red-straw like bracts, yellow flowers and the flowering period from April to June. The fruits are cypselae oblong.

Ecology:

The plant thrives in Batha and Phrygana habitats, it belongs to Mediterranean chorotype. Plant tomentose to woolly hairy, reaching 70 cm. It grows on limestone and gravel soils.

Medicinal uses:

These plants are used for centuries as they have been used as tea in Several countries due to their medicinal properties. They are used for the treatment of kidney stones, urogenital disorders, stomach pain, jaundice, diarrhea and asthma. These species are responsible for the remarkable antibacterial, antiviral and antifungal. The anti-inflammatory properties of helichrysum could reduce symptoms related to an infection, such as swelling, pain, and redness.

Distributions in Palestine:

Mediterranean Woodlands and Shrublands, Semi-steppe shrublands.

Other names: Red Everlasting and Red cudweed

IUCN red list status: not evaluated

Local status: protected by the authorities