‖ helichrysum
(hɛlɪˈkraɪsəm)
Also -os, -on.
[L., helichrȳsum, also helichrȳsos = Gr. ἑλίχρῡσος, f. ἕλιξ spiral + χρῡσός gold.]
1. A creeping plant with yellow flowers, so called by the ancients: variously identified as Gnaphalium stœchas and Tanacetum annuum.
| 1551 Turner Herbal i. C ij a, The ryght Elichryson groweth in Italy..and it may be called in englysh, flour amor, or yelowe flour amor. 1850 J. Leitch Müller's Anc. Art §298. 335 A carved cup..surrounded at the rim with a wreath of ivy and helichrysos, beneath with acanthos. |
2. Bot. A large genus of composite plants, having mostly yellow flowers, of persistent character, whence called Everlastings or Immortelles.
| 1664 Evelyn Kal. Hort. (1729) 227 [Plants] least patient of cold..Balsamum, Helichryson. 1882 Garden 11 Feb. 91/1 Helichrysums are not very particular as to soil. |