First record of Helichrysum foetidum (L.) Moench. (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) for South America

Abstract

We provide the first record of Helichrysum foetidum (Asteraceae, Gnaphalieae) for South America, based on new collections made in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. This species is native from Africa and cultivated in Europe, where it is used as an ornamental or medicinal herb. Helichrysum foetidum is recognized by the discolorous leaves with adaxial surface dark green, tomentose and abaxial surface grey, lanose tomentose margins, large heads organized in a corymbiform capitulescence and bright yellow bracts and flowers. Description, a map of distribution in South America and images of the collected specimens are provided.