Houseleek

Native to Western Europe, the houseleek—whose Latin name “sempervivum” means “always alive”—has a certain air of immortality about it. Maybe that’s why people of ancient times associated it with Jupiter, king of the gods, and endowed it with occult powers. Planted on the roof of a house or place of worship, the houseleek was believed to protect against lightning and evil spirits, and guarantee a long life. The plant also has interesting botanical features. When subjected to extreme temperatures, including drought and arid soil, it retains its green, fleshy, succulent leaves. Studies have confirmed that the houseleek owes its capacity to fight intense hydric stress to highly developed physiological and biological mechanisms.