Scientific Classification (Taxonomy)
Familia (Family): | Asteraceae |
Tribus (Tribe): | Anthemideae |
Genus: | Helichrysum |
Species: | Helichrysum italicum |
Common Turkish Name: | Altınotu, Ölmez Çiçek |
Common English Name: | Curry plant, Immortelle, Strawflower, Italian helichrysum |
Used Section: | Flos helichrysi (flowers) |
Helichrysum italicum, also known as the Curry Plant, Everlast, or Immortelle, is a perennial semi-shrub plant that is a member of the Asteraceae (Daisyaceae) family. Helichrysum, which got its name because of the color of its golden flowers, is also known as the immortal flower because even after drying, its flowers keep their color for a long time, even up to 5 years. The Greek word “Helios” in its scientific definition means sun, and the word “chyros” means gold. In Turkey, there are 26 plants belonging to the genus Helichrysum. Arid hills and rocky areas are the general distribution areas. The essential oil obtained from the Helichrysum’s flowers is used in perfumery, aromatherapy, and medicine production. The flowers can also be consumed as tea. Helichrysum is used in floriculture as an ornamental flower because it preserves its form and color for a long time after drying. Helichrysum is also used as a spice due to its curry-like aroma.
Botanical characteristics: It is a perennial semi-shrub plant that can grow up to 60 cm and forms clumps up to 90 cm wide. They are woolly, hairy or glandular. The leaves are simple, margins straight, linear to oblong lanceolate or ovate and alternately arranged. The flower heads are in the form of false umbrellas at the top. The flowers are yellow in color. The phyllaries are colored white, yellow, orange, straw, and red. The valve is cylindrical. The plumage of the crest is yellowish. Flowering time is June – August.
Distribution: It occurs naturally in Southern Europe, South-West Asia, Southern India, Southern Africa, Sri Lanka, Australia ,and Madagascar.
Growing conditions: Prefers warm, sunny, and well-drained soils. It does not like moisture. It is resistant to cold up to -10 degrees. Its seeds are very small. It can be planted in February-March. In the propagation with the cutting method, it should be placed in the rooting medium before the flowers start to form in February-March. It blooms from the end of June to the end of August. It is harvested when the flowers are in full bloom.
Part used: Flower (dried), flowers (fresh or dried), essential oil obtained from flowers.
Usage: Essential oil, tea (decoction, infusion), spice.
Content: Flavonoid compounds, phenolic acids, phloroglucinol derivatives, anthocyanin compounds, coumarin compounds, a-pyrone compounds, diterpenes, triterpenes, tannin, fatty acids
Warnings: Due to its bile-increasing effect, it should not be used without consulting a doctor in the presence of bile duct obstruction, gallstones or gallbladder diseases, and/or jaundice.
