Flower · GBIF taxon 3131467
Needle Everlasting
Helichrysum teretifoliumAlso known as Needle-leaf Everlasting
Needle everlasting forms low, spreading mats or small shrubs across coastal dunes and rocky sandstone slopes of South Africa's Cape Floristic Region. Its slender, needle-like leaves feature tightly recurved margins designed to minimize moisture loss in windy, sun-baked fynbos habitats. Dense clusters of small flower heads with dry, papery white involucral bracts bloom from spring through summer, retaining their shape and color long after drying.
FynbosDrought-TolerantWildflower
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Autotrophic (photosynthesis)
Predators
- Cape Grysbok
- Grasshoppers
- Tortoises
ThreatsInvasive alien vegetation, coastal urban development, and altered fire regimes
HabitatsCoastal sands, sandstone slopes, and lowland fynbos
Life span10–20 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderAsterales
- FamilyAsteraceae
- GenusHelichrysum
- SpeciesHelichrysum teretifolium
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Observation: Look for its papery flower heads on exposed coastal dunes and sandy flats.
- Fragrance: Lightly brush the foliage with your fingertips to release a mild herbal scent.
- Conservation: Stay on designated coastal paths to protect fragile dune ecosystems from erosion.
Image unavailableEcological Companion 
Same Genus (c) John Steel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John Steel · cc-bySame Genus Same Family
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