Helipterum

views updated

Helipterum (everlasting daisies; family Compositae) A genus of mostly annual herbs which have alternate leaves. The flower heads are small or large, and solitary or in corymbs. The petal-like involucre bracts are soft and papery, and are white, yellow, brown, or pink; sometimes they are sensitive to moisture and close in damp weather. The disc-florets may be black. The pappus of the achene is branched and feathery. Several species are cultivated commercially for cut flowers. There are about 60 species, found in S. Africa and Australia.

More From encyclopedia.com