Umbilicus

Umbilicus is a genus of 9 species in the Crassulaceae family. The species have small tubers or thickened rhizomes.


Umbilicus rupestris is native from Great Britain, Europe into Asia, Arabia and South into the mountains of Africa. It grows in damp but well-drained areas such as moist walls and roofs. In the summer or dry season, the plants will drop all of their leaves and go dormant. This is perhaps the most commonly grown species of the genus. It can be weedy in succulent collections due to copious seed production. In the San Francisco Bay Area, it breaks a completely dry summer dormancy in autumn with water and continues growing until late summer with enough water. It flowers in spring.

The photos below were taken by Nhu Nguyen. Photo 1 shows some seedlings. Photos 2-3 show more grown seedlings, and photos 4-5 show fully mature plants that can make a nice rosette.

Umbilicus rupestris, Nhu NguyenUmbilicus rupestris, Nhu NguyenUmbilicus rupestris, Nhu NguyenUmbilicus rupestris, Nhu NguyenUmbilicus rupestris, Nhu Nguyen

These photos show the flowers and inflorescences of the plant.

Umbilicus rupestris, Nhu NguyenUmbilicus rupestris, Nhu NguyenUmbilicus rupestris, Nhu NguyenUmbilicus rupestris, Nhu Nguyen

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Page last modified on November 06, 2015, at 04:44 PM
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