Phaenocoma
(from phaino, to shine, and kome, hair; referring to the colour and nature of the involucre). ORD. Compositae. A monotypic genus. The species is a handsome, small, hard-wooded, evergreen shrub, separated from the genus Helichrysum by the central florets of the head being males only, and not hermaphrodite. It has a peculiar and interesting hoary appearance at all seasons of the year. The plant commences to blossom when in a small state, and remains in full beauty for nearly three months. It thrives best in good, brown, fibrous peat and coarse silver sand; proper drainage and watering are important elements in its culture. The best position for this plant in the greenhouse is one as near to the glass as possible; and, during summer and autumn, it may be kept in a cold pit, where plenty of air can be admitted on all fine days. Repotting may be done when the plants start into active growth during spring. Propagation is effected by cuttings of the young side shoots, getting firm at the base, inserted in sand over peat, in a very gentle heat. P. prolifera (proliferous).* fl.-heads crimson, terminal, large, solitary; involucre of many rows of scales, the outer of which are short and appressed, and the inner long, radiating, shiny, and of a handsome rose-purple colour. Summer. l. glabrous, very small, scale-like, imbricated. h. 4ft. Cape of Good Hope, 1789. A variety known as Barnesii has its heads of a deeper crimson colour. SYNS. Elichrysum proliferum (B. M. 2365; B. R. 21), Xeranthemum proliferum (A. B. R. 374).