Helichrysum: the current state of cultivation, production and uses

Abstract

The genus Helichrysum consists of 600 species, among which the most significant are dwarf everlast (Helichrysum arenarium) and curry plant (Helichrysum italicum). The H. arenarium spreads from the Mediterranean to Northern Europe, while H. italicum grows exclusively in the Mediterranean countries. Only H. italicum is cultivated for the production of essential oil. As a perennial plant, H. italicum is cultivated on the same location for 5-8 years. Therefore, a lot of care should be taken when choosing the plot because this plant thrives on sandy and rocky soil with a lot of sunshine. Alkaline soil (with a lot of calcium) that retains water well is the best type of soil for this plant. H. italicum can reproduce generative, by seed through seedlings, and vegetative, by cuttings.