Umbilicus rupestris
Pennywort
a perennial evergreen member of the Umbilicus genus in the family Crassulaceae.
Taxonomy and growth
- Family
- Crassulaceae
- Genus
- Umbilicus
- Life cycle
- perennial
- Foliage
- evergreen
- Height
- 0.3 m
- Fertility
- Self fertile, Insects? Self
- Flower type
- hermaphrodite
- Pollinators
- Insects? Self
Uses
Edible uses
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 105, K]. A very acceptable mild flavour in the winter and early spring, they can be used in quantity in salads at this time[K]. The leaves become rather stronger-tasting in the summer and are not so pleasant then[K].
- Plant part
- Leaves
Medicinal uses
Historical medicinal uses. These records describe reported uses. They do not establish safety or effectiveness. Ask a qualified health professional before using any plant medicinally.
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
The leaves are mildly analgesic[5]. The juice and extract of the plant have an old reputation for the treatment of epilepsy[3]. The leaves are also made into a poultice and used in the treatment of piles, slight burns and scalds[3][5]. A decoction of the leaves is considered to be cooling and diuretic and the juice taken inwardly is said to be excellent for treating inflammations of the liver and spleen[3].
- Product or use
- Analgesic
- Product or use
- Diuretic
- Product or use
- Poultice
Environment
- Range
- Europe, from Britain and France south and east to N. Africa and the Mediterraean.
- Habitat
- Crevices of rocks and walls, especially in acid and damp conditions[1][4]. Avoids alkaline soils[2].
- Light
- full sun
- Shade tolerance
- light shade
- Water
- moderate
- Hardiness
- Zone 7+
- Soil textures
- sandy, loamy
- Soil pH
- acid, neutral, alkaline
- Drainage
- well drained
- Tolerates Nutritionally Poor Soil
- No
- Drought
- intolerant
Propagation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
Seed - sow spring in a cold frame and only just cover the seed. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out in early summer. Division in spring. Very easy, pant them straight out into their permanent positions. Leaf cuttings[2].
Cultivation
This section contains historical Plants For A Future notes marked noncommercial.
An easily grown plant, succeeding in any near neutral, gritty, moisture retentive but well-drained soil in sun or light shade[2]. Plants are often found growing on walls, even succeeding on old brick and mortar walls[K] Plants are hardy to about -15°c[2]. A very attractive plant for the rock garden[4], the leaves often stay green all winter[3].
References
Clapham, Tootin and Warburg. Flora of the British Isles. Cambridge University Press 1962-00-00
Huxley. A. The New RHS Dictionary of Gardening. 1992. MacMillan Press 1992-00-00 ISBN 0-333-47494-5
Grieve. A Modern Herbal. Penguin 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-14-046-440-9
De. Bray. L. The Wild Garden.
Chiej. R. Encyclopaedia of Medicinal Plants. MacDonald 1984-00-00 ISBN 0-356-10541-5