Kingdom Plantae Family Asteraceae Tribe Gnaphalieae Rank Species | Order Asterales Subfamily Asteroideae Genus Helichrysum | |
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Similar Cinnamosma fragrans, Cedrelopsis grevei, Psiadia altissima, Eucalyptus polybractea, Eucalyptus dives | ||
Helichrysum gymnocephalum is a flowering plant in the sunflower family (Asteraceae) found in Madagascar. It is used locally for its alleged aphrodisiac, antiseptic, and stimulant properties, and also as a treatment for bronchitis. The essential oil is sold internationally for these same purposes. This oil mostly consists of 1,8-Cineole, the organic compound Eucalyptol, which may account for these properties.
In 1999, the non-profit organization Seacology helped to preserve this and other plants by creating a national park around Mt. Angavokely, near Antananarivo in Madagascar.
References
Helichrysum gymnocephalum Wikipedia(Text) CC BY-SA