''Helichrysum italicum'' is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. Other common names include Italian strawflower and immortelle. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. The stems are woody at the base and can reach or more in height. The clusters of yellow flowers are produced in summer, they retain their colour after picking and are used in flower arranging, dried flower arrangements.
It is used as a fixative in perfumes and has an intense fragrance.
This plant is sometimes used as a spice. Although called "curry plant" and smelling like curry powder, it is not related with this mixture of spices, nor with the curry tree (''Murraya koenigii''), and is not used as Garam masala, masala for curry dishes either. Rather, it has a resinous, somewhat bitter aroma reminiscent of Salvia, sage or Artemisia (genus), wormwood and its young shoots and leaves are often used stewed in Mediterranean cuisine, Mediterranean meat, fish or vegetable dishes until they have imparted their flavour, and removed before serving.
Cultivation
''Helichrysum italicum'' is a tender perennial (USDA Zones 7–10). It is propagated by rooting semi-hardwood cuttings in summer and overwintering in frost-free conditions.
In Maltese it is called pjanta tal-curry.
Image:Helichrysum italicum.jpg, ''Helichrysum italicum''
Image:Helichrysum italicum flowers.jpg, ''Helichrysum italicum'' flowering
File:Curry-plant-blooming.JPG, Close-up of inflorescences
References
Sources
*
*
* David Burnie (1995) Wild Flowers of the Mediterranean.
* T. G. Tutin ''et al.'' (1968) Flora Europaea, Volume 2.
* J. Mastelić, O. Politeo and I. Jerković ''Contribution to the Analysis of the Essential Oil of Helichrysum italicum (Roth) G. Don. – Determination of Ester Bonded Acids and Phenols'' Molecules 2008, 13(4), 795-803
External links
Plants for a Future database*
Helichrysum, italicum
Medicinal plants of Europe
Plants described in 1830
{{Gnaphalieae-stub