Definition

Noun: 1. A genus of flowering plants: Helichrysum is a large genus of plants, primarily herbs and shrubs, belonging to the daisy family (Asteraceae). They are native mostly to Africa and Australia. Many species are known for their papery, long-lasting flower heads that retain their color and shape when dried, leading to the common name "everlasting flowers" or "strawflowers."

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The florist used dried helichrysum in the arrangement for its vibrant, permanent color.
  • Several species of Helichrysum are used in traditional medicine.
  • The garden featured a section dedicated to Australian natives, including silver-leaved helichrysum shrubs.

Advanced Usage

• In botanical classification: The genus has undergone taxonomic revision. In some classification systems, it is defined more narrowly, while in others (as referenced), it broadly includes plants from the genus .
  • The study aimed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships within the expanded genus Helichrysum.

Variants and Related Words

• Everlasting (noun/common name): A general term for flowers that retain their form and color when dried, often used for species.
• Strawflower (noun/common name): Another common name for many flowers, especially .
• Immortelle (noun/common name): A term used, particularly in French, for everlasting flowers, including some .

Synonyms

• Everlasting flower (general common name)
• Strawflower (specific common name)

Related Phrases/Idioms

(This word is a specific botanical name and does not commonly appear in idiomatic expressions or phrasal verbs.)

Noun

1. large genus of mostly African and Australian herbs and shrubs: everlasting flowers; in some classifications includes genus Ozothamnus