Helichrysum pumilio is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae, known colloquially as the wolbossie.[2] It is a subshrub native to the Cape Provinces and Free State of South Africa.[1] An aromatic, it is used by birds such as the Cape sparrow in their nests, possibly as protection against parasites.[3]
| Helichrysum pumilio | |
|---|---|
Scientific classification 
| |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Clade: | Asterids |
| Order: | Asterales |
| Family: | Asteraceae |
| Genus: | Helichrysum |
| Species: | H. pumilio
|
| Binomial name | |
| Helichrysum pumilio | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
|
Leontonyx pumilio O.Hoffm. (1898) | |
Two subspecies are accepted:[1]
- Helichrysum pumilio subsp. fleckii (S.Moore) Hilliard
- Helichrysum pumilio subsp. pumilio
References edit
- ^ a b c Helichrysum pumilio (O.Hoffm.) Hilliard & B.L.Burtt. Plants of the World Online. Retrieved 7 October 2023.
- ^ Dean, W. R. J. (2006). Karoo Veld Ecology and Management. Briza. ISBN 1875093524.
- ^ Milton, Sue; Dean, Richard (1999). "Nesting Thyme: The use of aromatic plants in Cape Sparrow nests" (PDF). Africa - Birds & Birding. 4 (1): 37–39. Archived from the original (PDF) on 20 July 2011.