Helichrysum lineatum, one of many everlastings

Helichrysum lineatum belongs to the group of strawflowers or everlastings. In Afrikaans they are called sewejaartjies, meaning seven little years! Many of these plants have pretty flowers that have been much harvested, sometimes without sufficient concern for the survival of (some of) the species. Everlastings are still popular cut flowers for their characteristic of lasting long (forever!), with no water in the vase.

It is ironic that even everlastings have developed survival problems due to the habits of humans. The more uses people discover for another living species on earth, the more pressure mounts on the species and its survival chances. Plant slavery is less likely to be lessened than animal slavery, since it has dawned on people that animals are sentient. The dependency of a species can be irksome to the other members of its ecology. The nearly ubiquitous humanity being a prime example.

The allure of strawflower flowerheads lies more in the non-withering rows of papery involucral bracts than the actual flowers or florets, the yellow disc centres of multiple tiny florets. The advent of nature reserves, parks and sanctuaries throughout the world where controlled access allows enjoyment without destruction, has brought some relief for some marginalised species and deserves support.

There are several hundred species in the Helichrysum genus growing in many parts of the world. Many beautifully flowering and interesting ones are indigenous in or endemic to South Africa (iNaturalist; iSpot; www.keys.lucidcentral.org).