Latin Name:  Helichrysum Splendidum

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Family: Asteraceae

Common Indigenous Names: Phefo-ea-loti, Toanae-moru (S.Sotho), Geel Sewejaartjie (Afrikaans).

Plant: This fast growing abundant evergreen grey, woolly shrub with its narrow leaf is found throughout South Africa on rocky slopes, mountain tops and in gullies. Its yellow flowers are common to all Helichrysums hence their name derived from the Greek - Helios (sun) Chrysos (gold), although the Splendidum variety are papery in nature.

Uses: It is an important plant in the local traditions where the smoke from the dried plant is used in ritual to invoke trance and to connect with the ancestors. Most Helichrysums have anti-viral, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties and Spendidum is known for its anti-rheumatic properties. 

 Quirky Indigenous Uses

• Clear spaces of negative energy

• Fumigate sick rooms