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.

The plant is a strongly aromatic, much-branched perennial herb with small silvery leaves and small yellow flower heads. Imphepho is burned as ritual incense to invoke the goodwill of the ancestors. The smoke is reportedly sedative, and helpful for insomnia. Some sangoma’s and herbalists use it as one of their ingredients to enter a trance state for mediumship. The leaves of this plant is also used as a medicinal for the treatment of coughs, colds, fever, infections, headaches and menstrual pains. For pain relief the smoke is inhaled. For coughs and cold, a weak infusion in tea is taken. Open wounds are treated externaly by applied patches of this and other Helichrysum species to prevent infection. Helichrysum odoratissimum has proven pain relieving, anti-inflammatory & antimicrobial activity.