ROMSO Cyprus Knowledge Base

Wall Pennywort (Umbilicus rupestris)

Wall pennywort, also known as hipwort or penny-pies, is a fleshy, perennial, edible flowering plant in the stonecrop family Crassulaceae within the genus Umbilicis. The name "navelwort" and its scientific classification are derived from the umbilicate (navel-like) shape of its leaves.

This plant has been used for centuries as a food source, with records dating back to ancient times. In astrology-based herbalism, Wall pennywort was classified according to celestial influences rather than scientific principles. The plant's properties and uses have been documented in various cultures, including those of the Arab world and Mediterranean regions.

Wall pennywort is native to North Africa, West Asia, Cyprus, Egypt-Sinai, Lebanon, Turkey, Europe, Ireland, United Kingdom, Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Macedonia, Slovenia, France, and Portugal. It thrives in a variety of habitats, including the Levant, Sinai, Arab Maghreb, and Mediterranean Basin.

The plant's height ranges from 15 cm to 50 cm, with dense foliage covering its stems. The leaves at the base of the stem have long segments, while those higher up are tufted, rounded, and depressed. In May, pale green pink flowers appear in bell-shaped clusters, followed by mature green fruits in summer.

Wall pennywort is also known as Rocky Sedge or Earth Sedge, a name that reflects its widespread distribution across various regions. The plant's unique characteristics have made it an important part of traditional medicine and cuisine in many cultures.

Description

Umbilicus rupestris, commonly referred to as Wall pennywort, is a perennial herbaceous plant with dense foliage. Its stems are covered with flowers without leaves almost entirely, while the leaves at the base of the stem have long segments that give them a distinctive shape. The plant's height ranges from 15 cm to 50 cm.

The flowering period extends from May and July, during which time grapey inflorescences occupy more than half (60-90 percent) of the total height of the plant. These flowers are arranged densely in the inflorescence, with mostly hanging flowers that are white or pinkish-red. The cover leaves are usually linear and about as long as the flower stems.

The fruit is a mature green berry that appears