Helichrysum italicum is a flowering plant of the daisy family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60cm or more in height. The clusters of yellow flowers are produced in Summer, they retain their colour after picking and are used in dried flower arrangements.The plant produces an oil from its blossoms which is used for medicinal purposes. It is anti inflammatory, fungicidal, and astringent. It soothes burns and raw chapped skin. it is used as a fixative in perfumes. It has an intense fragrance. ReferencesDavid Burnie (1995) Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean. ISBN 0-7513-2761-1T. G. Tutin et al. (1968) Flora Europaea, Volume 2. ISBN 0-521-06662-X
