Its natural habitats are Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation on Coastal garigue and vertical sheer cliffs.

This plant is on the decline in the wild, and it is threatened by habitat loss.

This is a low shrub, ranging from 30 to 70 cm in height; has small lanceolate leaves that are erect; and the flower heads only contain yellow tubular florets.

The hairs protect the plant for the heavy winds and summer drought from drying up.

"Notes on the distribution of Helichrysum melitense, Hyoseris frutescens and Matthiola incana melitensis in the Maltese islands".