Helichrysum italicum is a species of flowering plant in the family Asteraceae. It is sometimes called the curry plant because of the strong smell of its leaves. Other common names include Italian strawflower and immortelle. It grows on dry, rocky or sandy ground around the Mediterranean. The stems are woody at the base and can reach 60 centimetres (24 in) or more in height. The clusters of yellow flowers are produced in summer, they retain their colour after picking and are used in dried flower arrangements.
It is used as a fixative in perfumes and has an intense fragrance.
“Absolute of Immortelle is a semi-liquid oil or a very viscous liquid, olive-green to dark brown in color. The odor is as above described, but less waxy than the odor of the concrète, more refined- sweet and extremely tenacious.”
Arctander, Steffen . Perfume and Flavor Materials of Natural Origin (p. 280).