Everlasting daisy bud

Xerochrysum is a small genus of six species, all of which were formerly classified in the genus Bracteantha. Xerochrysum bracteatum was previously known as Bracteantha bracteata and references to its even earlier name of Helichrysum bracteatum may still be found in many publications.

These native plants are variable, from annual forms to low growing perennial sub-shrubs. Widespread in various habitats in all States and Territories of Australia.

Leaves are usually large, up to 10 cm in length. The individual flowers are very small but are formed into a large cluster surrounded by large papery bracts. The overall appearance is that of a large, single 'flower' with the bracts as the 'petals'. However, well over a hundred true flowers occur inside the ring of bracts.

Here we see the bracts still closed, encasing the flowers, yet to open and emerge - and below, half-open and fully open (a different cultivar). This orange one is cultivar 'sunrise'.