Ozothamnus diosmifolius

Rice Flower, White Dogwood, Pill Flower, Sago Bush, Everlasting

Family: Asteraceae

Ozothamnus diosmifolius has recently changed its genus from Helichrysum to Ozothamnus, from the Greek ozo=to smell, thamnos=shrub. It grows to about 2m high, with large branches, and is commonly found in woodland on sandstone and shale. The leaves in particular when crushed have a strong smell.

The leaves are narrow, 1-2 cm long, dark green above and white below, with recurved margins. They have tiny hairs which give them a rough feel. They have an appearance similar to the South African Diosma.

The white flowers are borne in flower heads in large clusters up to 7 cm across, at the ends of branches. There are 20 or more flowers in each head. The bracts below the flowers are white or tinged with pink

Ozothamnus diosmifolius flowers from September to February.