Orpine

(Sedum telephium L., Crassulaceae)

Also Called:Livelong, Life Everlasting, Orpine Stonecrop.

Description: Handsome perennial plant up to 60cm (2ft) high, with turnip-like tuberous roots. Stem erect, simple or infrequently branched, bluishgreen or reddish. Leaves opposite, whorled or alternate, 6cm (2.5in) long, oval, fleshy, margin irregularly dentate or entire. Flowers in large, compact umbels, white, yellowish-green, reddish-yellow or reddish-purple.
Flowering: June-September.

Part Used: Usually the fresh leaves, rarely also the dried entire plant.

Habitat and Collection: In dry sunny places, on rocks, walls, hedgebanks in northern and central Europe; in most British counties, cultivated in cottage-gardens. Collected when in flower and dried in the sun.

Constituents and Action: Constituents only little known: tannins and mucilage present. The fresh or withered plants are slightly rubefacient. Its supposed diuretic action is uncertain and its stimulant action on cows is doubtful.

Usage: The bruised leaves are applied to suppurating wounds to encourage cicatrisation. A healing ointment is also available commercially