Golden Everlasting

Description:

Xerochrysum bracteatum, commonly known as "golden everlasting, common everlasting, or strawflower", is a flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, and is an Australian native that occurs in all Australian mainland states and territories, as well as Tasmania. Plants may be either annual, or woody perennials. The Latin name "bracteatum" refers to the prominent and numerous, dry, papery bracts, which are often incorrectly referred to as petals, and 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. This plant is the real deal - an original and iconic Australian plant that most people don't realise is an Aussie native. PS: The name of this national park is Girraween, which means "place of flowers".

Habitat:

Spotted along the Peak Trail in Girraween National Park. Dry sclerophyll forest with sandy granite soils, substantial undergrowth and accumulated leaf litter, and foliage much greener and lush since the drought has broken. Well-shaded area along this section of track, and some areas were still damp and muddy from recent rain. Here's some park info - http://www.rymich.com/girraween/ https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girraween_...

Notes:

This species has proven very adaptable to cultivation. It was propagated and developed in Germany in the 1850s, and annual cultivars in a host of colour forms from white to bronze to purple flowers became available. Many of these are still sold in mixed seed packs. In Australia, many cultivars are perennial shrubs, which have become popular garden plants. Sturdier, long-stemmed forms are used commercially in the cut flower industry..... Strawflower is the popular name for X. bracteatum in Europe, while in Australia it is known as an everlasting or paper daisy. (Wikipedia)