Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum

Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum, also known as Small-leaved Immortelle or commonly known as Small-leaved Curry Plant, is a particularly compact form of the Italian Helichrysum that also has shorter leaves covered in a thick grey down. It is a small subshrub of Mediterranean origin with remarkably aromatic leaves. They emit a strong scent of curry and linseed oil, especially after rain. In cooking, this plant cannot replace curry, but it imparts an original flavour to cooked dishes. The yellow flowers, gathered in heads and highly visited by insects, can be used to create magnificent dried bouquets.  

Native to Crete, Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum is a subshrub of dry and rocky terrain that requires very well-drained soil. The plant forms a wide and dense clump, measuring about 20cm (8in) in height and 30-35cm (12-14in) in width. Its numerous stems are covered with linear, short, silver-grey leaves that remain evergreen in winter. The entire plant is covered in a grey tomentum (short down), indicating an adaptation to drought. Flowering occurs from May to July, depending on the climate. At the ends of the stems, inflorescences form composed of small yellow heads surrounded by golden bracts that remain decorative even when dry. Curry Herb is not used in the composition of curry used in cooking, which is a mixture of different spices. 

Helichrysum italicum subsp. microphyllum is a plant of dry, limestone, and very sunny rocky terrain. Hardy down to -15°C, it withstands cold winters in poor, rocky soil. It is sensitive to excessively moist soils, both in winter and summer. Fresh leaves can be used in cooking to flavour fish, grilled meat, rice, poultry, or marinades. Add them at the end of cooking, as their aroma in cooking is much less pronounced than the smell released in the garden. The leaves are used for flavouring but are rather indigestible, so it is preferable not to consume them. 

Harvesting: pick the flowers at the beginning of flowering to dry them. The evergreen leaves can be harvested throughout the year, as needed. Preservation: for bouquets, dry the flowering stems upside down in a dark room. They will keep for a long time this way. As for the leaves, they are used fresh. Gardener's tip: if aphids or caterpillars invade the curry plant, use nettle manure or black soap.