Helichrysum setosum flowering in winter

The flowerheads of Helichrysum setosum have shiny yellow involucral bracts radiating out in several rows around the yellow central discs. Touch the leaves and both stickiness and fragrance will persist to remind of having met this memorable grasslands citizen. To be noticed, the flowerheads are presented above the grass, the foliage and stems help to push the grass aside.

The yellow of the flowerheads contrasts strikingly with the green of the plants own conspicuous leaves. Around there are the dull straw colours of the surrounding winter grass. The plant is noted in summer as well, the bright yellow contrasting against the green summer grass. The plant flowers in summer on the highveld, in winter in KwaZulu-Natal, possible to some extent at any time throughout the year (Pooley, 1998; Van Wyk and Malan, 1997; iNaturalist).