Javanese Edelweiss: The Everlasting Flower of Indonesia’s Mountains

RRI.CO.ID, Garut – Indonesia is rich in diverse plant species, including those that grow in mountainous regions. One of them is the Javanese edelweiss, which, as its name suggests, is commonly found on the island of Java.

The Javanese edelweiss (Anaphalis javanica) is an edelweiss flower of the Asteraceae family. As an endemic plant, this edelweiss grows at elevations of around 2,000 to 3,000 meters above sea level.

The Javanese edelweiss, protected by Indonesian law since the 1990s, can be described as an 'everlasting flower' because it never wilts. Its flowers grow in small clusters at the tips of its stems and branches.

The flowers resemble small sunflowers, with white or cream-colored petals. What makes them distinctive, however, is the texture of their petals, which resembles dried leaves or soft, fine hairs.

These flowers look very delicate and differ from most other flowers. The flower's center may contain small yellow florets that add to its beauty.

One place where the Javanese edelweiss can be found is Mount Papandayan in Garut Regency, West Java. Around the 2,665-meter-high mountain, there is an edelweiss garden that hikers can visit.

As observed by RRI Voice of Indonesia, as of the end of July 2026, many hikers stopped for a moment during their ascent to enjoy the edelweiss flowers along the trail. Many of them captured the experience in photos and videos.

In the Mount Papandayan area, another location called Tegal Alun is covered with edelweiss flowers. However, because the area is designated as a nature reserve, not everyone is allowed to enter.

Despite bearing the name “Javanese,” this flower is not found only on Java. This mountain flower can also be found in southern Sumatra, southern Sulawesi, and as far as Lombok in West Nusa Tenggara.