Helichrysum bracteatum (hel-ih-KRY-sum, brak-tee-AY-tum)
There are over 600 species of Straw Flowers. They belong to the Aster family (Asteraceae). A little less than half of the species originate in South Africa. The culture of Straw Flowers dates back to the Egyptians. I have found them to be a bright addition to the garden and containers. They seem to like it a little on the dry side, or at least a very well drained area. They come in a range of yellow, white and red. Some of the types have medicinal uses and, of course, they are highly prized as an everlasting dried flower.