The moniker ‘splendidum’ comes from the Latin for splendid, a name which clearly shows the adoration given to this unique plant. It is also often referred to as Cape Gold or Peta, as it is found growing wild on the Cape of Africa in the south and east portion of the country. This evergreen species of helichrysum bears the traditional appearance of the genus, with a compact, shrubby appearance. Helichrysum splendidum grows rather quickly, reaching more than a meter round in a two year time span. Its slender, pointed leaves are coated in silvery hairs and have the characteristic camphor-like odor found in African helichrysum species when crushed. The bright yellow flowers have a slightly darker center that exposes itself over the course of a few weeks during the summer blooming period. Helichrysum splendium is hardier than most species and can tolerate a light frost.