When the flowerheads of Helichrysum patulum reach the end of their floral cycle, the hair-like, spreading pappus bristles on the top of the fruits appear.
Pappus means old man, referring to the characteristic white hairs found on Asteraceae seeds. The parachute-like structure assists seed dispersal by wind. In the case of this species a modified disc floret forms the pappus.
Helichrysum flowers have dry, papery or straw-like involucral bracts that last longer than petals and sepals containing moisture. Although not quite everlasting as the eponymous common name suggests, the feature of flower durability is notable in many of the species (Manning, 2007; Bean and Johns, 2005; iNaturalist).