This beautiful, delicate herb was recently spotted flowering in an open area on Buffelsbed.
This plant, like many others in the genus, derives its names from the ability to hold shape and colour for extended periods of time after being completely dried out.
The Pipa Everlasting (Helichrysum candolleanum) is a small, perennial herb. The distinctive yellow-pink clumps of flowers make it easy to identify. The plant itself is usually a light greyish-green, with tiny woolly hairs on the surfaces of the leaves, giving a distinctive “fluffy” texture to the plant. Close up, the leaves almost resemble those of a small succulent - short, broad and fleshy - but interestingly, the shape and size of this plant will depend on where you find it, as this is specific to each region and local conditions!
Differences can be as vast as a carpet-like shrub or isolated, tall clumps, and even differently shaped leaves - but the fluffy texture and distinct flowers remain, making it a fascinating plant to study.
The distribution range of this herb extends into South Africa, Madagascar, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Zambia Angola, and Botswana, with distribution further limited to sandy areas, grasslands and savannas.
Excitingly, this plant was found in an area previously rehabilitated in 2024, under the ongoing savanna biome rehabilitation project - a good sign that the project is working!
Did you know?
- Although these plants are known to grow in arid, sandy, grassland and savanna areas, they are also an excellent pioneering species, often used to re-vegetate disturbed land - especially in drought-prone areas. Their ability to adapt to almost any conditions, as well as their minimalistic needs for soil- and nutrient-resources allows them to survive in harsh conditions, thus enabling the re-stabilisation of disturbed soils. This also makes them popular for urban horticulture, where plants are cultivated, processed and distributed for specific uses.
- The genus Helichrysum is also popular for processes such as environmental phytoremediation, where native plants that are highly tolerant, and can hyperaccumulate heavy metals like copper, can be used to reduce the build-up of heavy metals in highly mineralised soils. This can reduce pollutant levels, maintaining and conserving a healthier environment.
Fun Fact:
- Most Helichrysum plants are used in the production of essential oils globally, and as a fragrant herb. Local uses of these plants are largely within cultural medicinal applications, ranging from treating skin conditions such as boils and rashes, to assisting with the treatment of coughs and wounds. The essential oils are also useful for repelling insects, to treat pain and inflammation, to fight infection, and to assist with respiratory and digestive ailments.
Words by Tess Woollgar. Images courtesy of Tess Woollgar.