[dailyplantfacts]

Sempervivum is a genus of about 40 species of succulent species in the family Crassulaceae. They are widespread across north Africa and Europe where they grow in a variety of habitats from dry deserts to alpine areas. The genus name Sempervivum means “always living” in Latin, and is in reference to this plants ability to thrive in extremely harsh conditions, and it’s perennial habit; Sempervivum maintains its basal rosette of leaves year round. The leaves are covered in hairs which, coupled with the succulent nature of the leaves, aid in water retention. While Sempervivum is popularly cultivated as an ornamental, it has been used medicinally for centuries to aid in everything from indigestion to burns.