Houseleek 0.7L

 (Sempervivum tectorum)

No one is sure of where the houseleek actually originated but one of the great Greek botanists of the fourth century BC has recorded its presence on roof tiles and walls at that time, however one could be sure that it was most likely Charlmagne's supposed order [reign 768 - 814 AD] to have one of these plants to be grown on every roof under his rule (basically as fire insurance as due to the high moisture content houseleeks were reluctant to burn) that probably started the spread of the houseleek throughout Europe and eventually into the New World.  The houseleek has many similar properties of Aloe vera but the houseleek can handle winter frosts! If you peel the leaf, apply the inner gel/pulp to small cuts, minor burns, sunburn, insect bites/itches and warts. Soften skin around corns by binding the inner leaf to the area for a few hours then attempt to remove the corn - repeat as necessary. Or infuse the leaves in hot water to make a tea for septic throats and bronchitis.                                                                                                                                                                                              While not generally eaten houseleek leaves are known to be added to salads in some European countries. To help nourish the skin, soak freshly cut leaves in a bath or use in a facial steam.   As mentioned this is a succulent so it does need plenty of sun and well drained soils but unlike many succulents it can handle the frosty winters! Perfect for containers - inside or out.  Houseleeks produce small offsets which then become self-sufficient as they put down roots and eventually create an ever-size-increasing clump - occasionally one of these rosettes will send up a flower stalk which produces rose-purple coloured flowers. Ht 5-8cm (Flowering stem 20cm) Evergreen.