hen-and-chickens

Names and Synonyms

Common Names

• hen-and-chickens
• hen-and-chicks
• houseleek
• House-Leek

Scientific Names

Accepted name

Synonyms

• Sedum tectorum

Regional and Traditional Names

Sources: Wikidata, Catalogue of Life

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

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.

Sources: The World Checklist of Vascular Plants (WCVP)

Botanical Identification

Ecology

The ecology of Sempervivum tectorum is characterized by its specialized adaptation to extreme, high-exposure environments, specifically thriving in stony places where soil is minimal and nutrient availability is low. These plants typically colonize rocky crevices, scree slopes, and lithic substrates, utilizing their succulent physiology to navigate the physiological drought common in such terrains. By anchoring themselves within the fissures of stone formations, they minimize competition from faster-growing vegetation that requires deeper, more stable soil profiles. This preference for stony habitats allows them to exploit microclimates that offer high solar radiation and efficient drainage, which are essential for their metabolic processes and the prevention of root rot. Consequently, their ecological niche is defined by a high tolerance for thermal fluctuations and xeric conditions, making them resilient pioneers in rugged, rocky landscapes.

Habitat :

stony places

Life history

The life history of Sempervivum tectorum is characterized by its status as a perennial plant, allowing it to persist through multiple growing seasons. As a chamaephyte, its growth form is concentrated near the ground, with its buds located just above or at the soil surface, which aids in its survival in rocky or alpine environments. Furthermore, the plant maintains an evergreen nature, retaining its foliage throughout the year to facilitate continuous photosynthetic activity whenever conditions permit.

Deciduousness :

evergreen

Life form :

chamaephyte

Lifecycle :

perennial

Morphology

The morphology of Sempervivum tectorum is characterized by a non-woody, herbaceous growth form, specifically classified as a forb. As a terrestrial species, it functions as an independent organism rather than a parasite or epiphyte. The plant is self-supporting in its growth habit, lacking any climbing or vine-like tendencies. In terms of stature, it is a relatively low-growing species with a plant height that ranges from a minimum of 0.1 m to a maximum of 0.6 m, maintaining an average height of approximately 0.225 m.

Aquatic :

terrestrial

Climber :

self-supporting

Epiphyte :

terrestrial

Growth form :

herb

Growth form :

forb

Parasite :

independent

Plant height max:

0.6 m

Plant height mean:

0.225 m

Plant height min:

0.1 m

Woodiness :

non-woody

Physiology

The physiology of Sempervivum tectorum is characterized by a C3 photosynthetic pathway, which dictates its carbon fixation processes and metabolic efficiency. The plant exhibits a non-carnivorous nutritional strategy, relying entirely on its root system and soil nutrients rather than capturing prey. Structurally, the foliage is defined by a mean leaf size of 5.0925 cm², a measurement that contributes to its overall morphological profile. Furthermore, its leaf density and resource allocation are reflected in a mean Specific Leaf Area (SLA) of 158.95 cm²/g, providing insight into the relationship between its leaf surface area and dry mass.

Carnivory :

non-carnivorous

Leaf size mean:

5.0925 cm²

Photosynthetic pathway :

C3

Specific Leaf Area (SLA) mean:

158.95 cm²/g

Reproduction

The reproduction of Sempervivum tectorum is characterized by a sexual process, as asexual reproduction is absent. The flowering period typically commences in July and extends through September. During this time, the plant utilizes biotic pollination syndromes, specifically relying on insects for the transfer of pollen. Once fertilization occurs—a process facilitated by the presence of self-fertilization—the plant develops fruit in the form of a capsule. This capsule is dehiscent, meaning it opens at maturity to release its seeds. The subsequent dispersal of seeds follows an autochorous syndrome, where the plant utilizes internal mechanisms to distribute its offspring.

Dehiscence :

dehiscent

Dispersal syndrome :

autochorous

Flowering time :

Jul

Flowering time :

Sep

Fruit type :

capsule

Pollination syndrome :

insect

Pollination syndrome :

biotic

Reproduction asexual :

absent

Self fertilization :

present

Sources: Global Inventory of Floras and Traits (GIFT)

Plant Parts

Sempervivum tectorum has 1 reported plant parts identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases that are studied for medicinal purposes. The most consistently reported plant part include leaf.

Leaf

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Chemicals

Sempervivum tectorum has 4 reported phytochemicals identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported chemicals include Delphinidol, Proanthocyanidin, kaempferol, polyphenols.

Delphinidol

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Proanthocyanidin

1. Veterinary sciences

kaempferol

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

polyphenols

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry

Conditions

Sempervivum tectorum has 1 reported investigations on conditions identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported conditions include otitis externa.

Otitis externa

1. Veterinary sciences

Preparations

Sempervivum tectorum has 2 reported preparations identified across 1 scientific publications and several other databases. The most consistently reported preparations include sap, sliced fresh leaves.

Sap

1. Klinische Monatsblatter fur Augenheilkunde

Sliced fresh leaves

1. Journal of agricultural and food chemistry