Helichrysum stoechas facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Helichrysum stoechas |
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Helichrysum
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stoechas
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Helichrysum stoechas, often called the Mediterranean strawflower, curry plant, or eternal flower, is a unique plant. It can be an annual (living for one year) or a perennial (living for many years), depending on its location. This plant loves dry, rocky, and sandy areas.
It can grow up to 120 centimeters (about 47 inches) tall. It also spreads out, covering an area of more than 1 square meter (about 3 feet 3 inches). Its leaves are a grayish-green color. The plant produces small, round, yellow flowers. These flowers appear sometimes in the spring or during July and August. Tiny insects help to pollinate these flowers.
Special Uses of the Mediterranean Strawflower
People have used Helichrysum stoechas for a long time in traditional medicine. Extracts from the plant were used to help with colds. They also served as a nerve tonic and helped reduce swelling. People even used them to help bruises heal faster.
Scientists have studied the flowers, stems, and leaves of this plant. They found that it can stop the growth of some bacteria and viruses. This shows how powerful the plant's natural ingredients can be.
Its Scent and Fragrance
The leaves and flowers of the Mediterranean strawflower have a very strong and pleasant smell. Because of this, it is used in perfumes and aromatherapy. It helps other scents last longer. This plant's essential oil and floral absolute are both valued.
Like other plants in the Helichrysum family, it has a special scent. It smells warm, sweet, and a bit like caramel or hay. Some people also notice hints of fruit, honey, tobacco, or tonka bean in its fragrance.
The essential oil from Helichrysum stoechas is mostly made in Southern Europe, near the Mediterranean Sea. The floral absolutes are produced in Egypt. This plant contains many natural chemicals. Some important ones include nerol acetate, curcumin, pinene, limonene, kaempherol, quercetin, luteolin, linalool, and geraniol. It also has other helpful compounds like flavonoids, sesquiterpenes, and hydrocarbons.
