The genus Helichrysum consists of an estimated 600 species, in the sunflower family, Asteraceae. It occurs in Africa (with 244 species in South Africa), Madagascar, Australasia and Eurasia. The plants may be annuals, herbaceous perennials or shrubs, growing to a height of 60 to 90 cm. The genus was a wastebasket taxon, and many of its members have been reclassified in smaller genera, most notably the Everlastings, now in the genus Xerochrysum.

Helichrysum stellatum is a South African endemic species from the Northern Cape and Western Cape Provinces Bokkeveld Mountains southwards to Worcester and eastwards to Swellendam. It grows to 45cm tall and forms a rounded shrublet with grey-woolly leaves. During spring it bears golden brown & white flowers in heads.