Wildflower series ~ Everlastings

Helichrysum rugulosa or Everlastings are members of the daisy family and these belong to a large number of similar-looking plants that are used medicinally because they are aromatic herbs which contain compounds that are antibacterial. The smell is similar to sage and these plants are also used traditionally as incense, in the same way that sage is. They are burned and the smoke is used to cleanse an environment. Whether they do or not is debatable but they definitely make the place smell better.

They are called Everlastings because the flowers don't have petals, just small scales and they don't wither. This is what the bush looks like. I couldn't get the unopened flower heads into focus thanks to the constant wind that has been blowing for the past few weeks but at least the form of the plant is clear.