Habitat
Type: rocks, walls, base of mature trees
Distribution: western UK, Europe
Prefers: acid soil
Other: not on lime

General
Growth type: herb
Cycle: perennial
Height: up to 30 cm
Other:

Leaf
Shape: round, dimpled
Texture: fleshy, smooth
Edge: wavy, crinkled
Other: leaf stem attaches to centre of leaf underside

Flower
Shape: toothed bell
Arrangement: on leafy spike
When: May to August
Colour:

all year- best November to March

Flavour
Rating and Description:
young: mild; older: may be bitter; fleshy

How to Consume
raw

Used as ...
food

Action:
mildly anodyne, demulcent, diuretic

May treat:
juice: epilepsy, inflammation of the liver and spleen, eases earache (on cotton wool); external: piles, slight burns, scalds

Collection
The best time is from autumn to spring. In summer the leaves become dry and bitter, or die back entirely.

Drying
Not suitable

Plant parts:
leaf
stem or trunk
sap
root, bulb, tuber and other below ground parts
flower
fruit
seed

Use:
culinary use
medicinal use
household use

Other:
caution

Glossary of Medicinal Terms and Nutritive Substances

• anodyne: eases pain (milder than an analgesic)
• demulcent: rich in mucilage, soothes or protects irritated or inflamed tissue (especially mucousa)
• diuretic: increases secretion and elimination of urine