| Helichrysum petiolare | |
|---|---|
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| (unranked): | Angiosperms |
| (unranked): | Eudicots |
| (unranked): | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Helichrysum |
| Species: | H. petiolare |
| Binomial name | |
| Helichrysum petiolare |
|
Helichrysum petiolare, known as Licorice-plant, Silver-bush Everlasting Flower, and Trailing Dusty-miller is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae native to South Africa and naturalized to Portugal and the United States of America.[1]
It is cultivated in gardens as a foliage plant [2] and listed as a weed in the state of California.[3]
The essential oil has been investigated for its anti-microbial, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. In South Africa it forms a component of traditional African medicine. The leaves and twigs are boiled and prepared as a sort of tea to soothe coughs and fever. The leaves are also applied to wounds to prevent infection, and are ceremonially burnt to produce a traditional incense.[4] [5]