A perennial of the Asteraceae family, Helichrysum arwae is native to Yemen, where it grows in the mountain ranges of the southwestern Arabian Peninsula, particularly in the high plateaus and rocky escarpments of the Arwa region. It occupies rock crevices and scree at altitude, in an arid to semi-arid environment, subject to strong temperature variations.
The plant forms a dense and compact cushion, of low height, slowly covering the stones and soil around it. The leaves are narrow, oblong to spatulate, fleshy, covered with a gray-silver to whitish indumentum that gives them a slightly grainy texture and a particular shine under the low light. This evergreen foliage is an attraction in all seasons.
The solitary capitula are borne directly above the foliage on very short stems. They open into large flowers with white-pink to pale pink scarious bracts, arranged in regular rays around a central yellow-orange disc, reminiscent in shape and texture of the most elaborate everlastings. In its natural habitat, its flowering extends from May to July.
In cultivation, this species requires winter protection against excessive moisture: it tolerates moderate cold provided there is perfect drainage. It is preferably grown in a pot or cold frame, in a very well-drained mineral substrate, in full sun. It is a collector's plant, sought after for the originality of its flowers and the delicacy of its silvery foliage.