Navelwort

 

Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris), otherwise known as wall pennywort, is often found growing on high roadside banks in western England, Wales, and western Scotland. It is much less common further east. It grows between stones in the banks and also in rock crevices and on sea cliffs.

The size of the plant varies greatly according to its position. Lush, branched specimens spring from moist and shady surroundings, whereas much smaller plants cling to dry walls or exposed cliffs. The plant can therefore vary from 4 to 16 inches (10-40 cm) in height.

Disc-shaped leaves, depressed at the centre, grow on long stalks. Numerous greenish-white bell -shaped flowers appear on tall, narrow spikes between June and August.

The plant ‘s common and scientific names all refer to the unusual shape of the leaves – pennywort from their supposed resemblance to an old penny coin, and navelwort to the central, navel-like dimple. The word umbilicus is Latin for navel, and rupestris means ‘a plant that grows on rocks’.

© John Welford