Helichrysum dimorphum, climbing everlasting daisy or Living Dead plant is endemic to the South Island, and is presently known only from the Poulter, Esk and Puffer catchments where they drain into the Waimakariri River. However, there is also an old record from Piano Flat, Southland.
This threatened species due to its declining population is found in lowland to montane situations, it is usually found on river terraces and alongside river gorges, always in grey scrub, where it is primarily associated with matagouri (Discaria toumatou) shrubs.  Seriously threatened by aerial spraying for gorse (Ulex europaeus), and by scrub fires. This species often grows within and through matagouri (Discaria toumatou), Corokia cotoneater and some Coprosma species so it is easily overlooked. Matagouri is easily burned and considered to be a pest in some parts of the country, and because of clearance of matagouri this may have been a factor in the historic decline of Helichrysum dimorphum, and remains a serious potential threat to this day, with the total population believed to be only about 200-300 plants in the wild and declining. A large colony of several hundred plants were destroyed in 1978 by aerial spraying that was done to kill noxious weeds, and some populations are being overrun by introduced weeds like broom (Cystus scoparius). Dimorphum means occurring in two different forms and this is true of this plant when you look at its foliage which is of a greyish-brown colour and often flattened along the branchlets, giving this plant the appearance that it is dead, hence one of its common names the Living Dead plant. It has small white, amazingly scented flowers from December to April. This small shrub or scrambling liane can scramble or climb for 8m, and does best in semi-shade or planted at the base of a shrub through which it can sprawl. It does not like humid climates.