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helichrysum-italicum-curry-plant-kahikatea-farm (1) (Copy)

Certified Organic Plant

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Curry Plant

Name: Curry Plant - Kahikatea Farm Certified Organic Nursery and Permaculture Farm
Availability: OutOfStock

Helichrysum italicum syn H. angustifolium

Price range: $9.50 through $11.50

Curry Plant is a low growing evergreen shrub in the daisy family, hailing from dry rocky areas of the Mediterranean and southern Europe. It is also known as Italian strawflower and Immortelle. It has silver needle shaped stongly aromatic leaves and looks a little like lavender. However the flowers are yellow and borne in domed clusters. It can tolerate winds, and frost to -10 degrees. Height and spread approx 60cm.

9cm or 11cm pot

Photos Kahikatea Farm

Cultivation

Helichrysum enjoys well drained soil in a sunny position and is very drought hardy and easy care once established. It does not enjoy wet feet in winter. Not much pruning is required, but if you wish, follow guidelines for lavender, and do not cut too hard into old wood. Prune lightly in late winter/early spring.

Uses

Despite its bitter taste and many sources stating it is not edible, it is reputedly an important herb for seasoning lamb and goat sausage, stews and some fish dishes, especially on the island of Sardinia but also Malta and other smaller Mediterranean islands. Typically the new green tops of fresh growth are pinched off and added to cooking stews and meat preparations, and usually then removed before serving the finished dish. The flavour will vary widely depending on what variety and soil type the plant was growing in.

Curry plant is great for xeriscaping projects, gravel gardens and wildlife The flowers are loved by bees and butterflies. They also retain their colour after picking and are used in dried flower arrangements.

Medicinal Uses

Helichrysum is a common, traditionally used medicine in the region in which it grows naturally. It reportedly has anti-inflammatory, antifungal, and antibacterial properties. The oil can be found in all green parts of the plant, including stems and leaves. It can be rubbed on the skin to relieve inflammation and infection, and burnt in a diffuser to relieve cold symptoms. Helichrysum oil is often used to prevent signs of aging and referred to as “The Everlasting Flower” because of its rejuvenating benefits for the skin and ability to improve the complexion. Dried flowers from the plant can also be used for medicinal purposes.

Primary Actions: antifungal, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory

Parts Used: stems, leaves, flowers

History / Folklore / Further Info

‘Helichrysum’ comes from the ancient Greek ‘Helios’ meaning ‘sun’ and ‘chrysos’ which means ‘gold’, referring to its golden-yellow flowers.

One of the earliest written references to the medicinal uses of plants from the Helichrysum genus appears in the work of the Greek Theophrastus of Eresos “Historia Plantarum” (3rd–2nd century B.C.), where he reports that “Heleiochrysos” may be used in the treatment of burns (mixed with honey) and stings/bites of venomous animals. Dioscorides also mentions it in his De Materia Medica (1st century A.D.), describing a decoction of the filaments of Helichrysum flowers macerated in wine as possessing diuretic properties and being useful in the treatment of urinary disorders, snake bites, sciatica and hernias.

Jo Says

Please note that although this plant has a strong curry fragrance, it is not the the Asian tree Murraya koenigii, the leaf of which is actually used to give curries their flavour.

Shipping Advice

N.B. Shipping costs are added AFTER you have placed your order, you will then be emailed an invoice with bank details.

Smallest box rate:
This can fit up to 9 plants in 9cm pots.

Shipping a single tree can be expensive. We may be able to fit more in the box for the same price! See our shipping rates for single and multi tree boxes.

Combining sizes?
No problem, we will work out the best rate for you once you’ve placed your order.

Medical disclaimer

Jo has a passion for growing herbs but is not a qualified herbalist and has no medical background.

We are lucky to have Patricia Beagle working here at times, who is qualified, and some of her advice does appear on these pages, but herbs act differently for different people and can interact with other medicines. We therefore always recommend that you consult with your own qualified health-care practitioner before using herbal products, particularly if you are pregnant, nursing or on any medications.

Kahikatea Farm cannot take any responsibility for any adverse effects from the use of the plants or a plant not having the effect it is reputed to have.