Sempervivum tectorum
Sempervivum tectorum, commonly known as Houseleek or Hens and Chicks, is a resilient perennial succulent valued in traditional herbalism. Renowned for its cooling properties, it has historically been used to treat burns, inflammation, and skin irritations. This hardy plant remains a staple in folk medicine for topical healing applications.
- Scientific name: Sempervivum tectorum
- Family: Crassulaceae
- Native range: Europe
Taxonomical Classification
This plant belongs to the kingdom Plantae and the phylum Streptophyta, falling under the class Equisetopsida and subclass Magnoliidae. It is further classified within the order Saxifrages and the family Crassulaceae. Finally, it is identified by the genus Sempervivum, specifically as the species Sempervivum tectorum.
| Rank | Classification | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae | WCVP |
| Phylum | Streptophyta | WCVP |
| Class | Equisetopsida | WCVP |
| Subclass | Magnoliidae | WCVP |
| Order | Saxifragales | WCVP |
| Family | Crassulaceae | WCVP |
| Genus | Sempervivum | WCVP |
Common Names
This plant, known scientifically as Sempervivum tectorum, is recognized by a variety of local names across different languages. In Poland, it is called Rojnik murowy, while in Bosnia and Herzegovina, it is referred to as Čuvarkuća. French speakers call it Joubarbe des toits, and in German, it is known as Dach-Hauswurz. Additionally, in Lower Sorbian, the plant is named Třěšny rozkólnik.| Language | Common Name | Source |
|---|---|---|
| pl | Rojnik murowy | Wikidata |
| bs | Čuvarkuća | Wikidata |
| fr | Joubarbe des toits | Wikidata |
| de | Dach-Hauswurz | Wikidata |
| hsb | Třěšny rozkólnik | Wikidata |
| sv | Taklök | Wikidata |
| ar | خلود السطوح | Wikidata |
| sk | skalnica strechová | Wikidata |
| sr-el | Čuvarkuća | Wikidata |
| sr-ec | Чуваркућа | Wikidata |
Distribution
This plant is primarily found throughout several regions in Northern Europe. Its natural range extends across the coastal and inland areas of Denmark. It can also be discovered growing in the landscapes of Great Britain and Ireland. Furthermore, the species is distributed across the Scandinavian territories of Norway and Sweden.
| Region | Area | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Europe | Denmark | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Great Britain | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Ireland | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Norway | WCVP |
| Northern Europe | Sweden | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Austria | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Belgium | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Czechia-Slovakia | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Germany | WCVP |
| Middle Europe | Hungary | WCVP |
Plant Parts
This plant, commonly known as Houseleek or Sempervivum tectorum, is a succulent characterized by its compact rosette formation. The most prominent feature of the plant is its thick, fleshy leaves, which are designed to store moisture and provide resilience in rocky, arid environments. Within these specialized tissues, the plant produces a viscous sap that serves as a vital reservoir for nutrients and water, contributing to its medicinal reputation for soothing various topical ailments.- Total parts
- 2
- Scientific sources
- 2
| Plant Part | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| sap | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| leaves | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Chemicals
Sempervivum tectorum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 4 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include delphinidol, kaempferol, polyphenols, proanthocyanidin.
- Total chemicals
- 4
- Scientific sources
- 4
Most Reported Compounds
| Compound | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| delphinidol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| kaempferol | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| polyphenols | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
| proanthocyanidin | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |
Medicinal Uses
Sempervivum tectorum has 1 reported medicinal uses identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported uses include otitis externa.
- Total uses
- 1
- Scientific sources
- 1
Most Reported Uses
| Use | Sources | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| otitis externa | 1 | ★☆☆☆☆ |