Umbilicus rupestris 'Navelwort'

[Ex. Alpes Maritimes 880 m., France]

Crassulaceae: a distinctive, hairless perennial to 30cm. Found on walls, cliffs and stony banks, this plant, often found in shady places. It has drooping, bell-shaped greenish-white flowers grow in spikes on pinkish, rounded stems. Blooming from June to September. the leaves are round, and glabrous. The plant gets its common name as the round, fleshy leaf seems to have a little 'navel' in its centre. Native to Europe, from Britain and France south and east to North Africa and the Mediterranean.

USES:

The leaves can be eaten raw or cooked. A very acceptable mild flavour in the winter and early spring, they can be used in quantity in salads at this time.

The leaves have mildly analgesic properties. The juice and extract of the plant have an old reputation for the treatment of epilepsy. The leaves are also made into a poultice and used in the treatment of piles, slight burns and scalds. A decoction of the leaves is cooling and diuretic and the juice taken inwardly is said to be excellent for treating inflammations of the liver and spleen.

GROWING INFORMATION:

Sow seeds 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. An easily grown plant, succeeding in any near neutral, gritty, moisture retentive but well-drained soil in sun or light shade. Plants are often found growing on walls, even succeeding on old brick and mortar walls. Plants are hardy to about -15°C. A very attractive plant for the rock garden.

HARVESTED: 2020

 
APPROX. 100 SEEDS