Syncarpha chlorochrysum

Syncarpha chlorochrysum, the gold everlasting that was previously named Helichrysum chlorochrysum, grows along the coast on limestone flats from Bredasdorp to Stilbaai. While its population is on the decrease, the plants healthy representation in the De Hoop Reserve contributes to its survival chances.

The gold everlasting is a felted shrub of 1,5 m with oval, pointed leaves. Five veins grow from the leaf base. The margins are entire and the leaves recurve.

Disc flowerheads grow at stem tops in loose clusters in winter and spring. The involucral bracts are pale yellow, paler than the disc florets as can be seen in the photo. These bracts are papery and dry, giving cause to the name of everlasting. They have pointed tips, growing in several rows around the flowerhead (Manning, 2007).