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 moeserianum, commonly known as ‘Khoi’-Kooigoed or Kooigoed, is an annual with grey woolly leaves and stems. It grows to 30cm tall and from spring to summer it bears bright yellow flowers. It is best sown in autumn.