In my foraging walks during late winter and spring, I always cherish finding Navelwort (Umbilicus rupestris). It’s a fleshy, light-green plant usually nestled in damp old walls and piles of rocks. Navelwort, also known as pennywort, is becoming scarce.
I gather a few of the succulent leaves to incorporate into my moisturizing blend, where they provide soothing and anti-inflammatory properties. Is navelwort edible? Yes, and when I stumble upon a place abundant with navelwort, I bring home a few more leaves to enjoy raw in salads – not necessarily for the taste, which is mild and neutral, but for the experience.
For those interested in wild edibles, we have a post about a more flavorful option: beet greens.
The seventeenth-century herbalist Nicholas Culpepper praised navelwort, stating:
“The juice or distilled water, when consumed, is very effective for inflammation and excessive heat, cooling a hot stomach, liver, or bowels. When applied externally, the herb, juice, or distilled water can heal pimples, St. Anthony’s fire, and other skin conditions.
“The juice or water is beneficial for kidney ailments, particularly those caused by stones, and promotes urination, making it useful for the dropsy and stone issues. When used as a bath or ointment, it can ease painful piles or hemorrhoidal veins. It also provides relief for gout and sciatica pains, as well as swollen glands in the neck or throat.
According to the Plants For A Future Plant Database (PFAF), navelwort is present in leaf form year-round, flowering from June to August, with seeds ripening from July to September. The species is hermaphrodite and self-fertile. The flowers turn red in sunny locations.
Keep in mind that PFAF’s information pertains to plants in the UK and Europe and may not accurately depict growing conditions in the Levant. In Israel, where I reside, navelwort dries up and disappears by July.
If intrigued by the idea of cultivating Navelwort, according to the PFAF database, it thrives in light to medium soils, preferring well-drained, moist soil with a mildly acidic to basic pH. It can grow in semi-shade or full sun.
Personally, I don’t consider cultivating navelwort due to the dry and hot climate where I live. However, in the cooler north of the country, with its abundant green spaces and ancient stone structures, spotting the round, belly-button-like leaves of navelwort was always a joy.
Whether named for its navel-like appearance or a playful dimple left by ancient fingers, navelwort holds a special place in my heart not just for its uses, but for its dwindling presence as urbanization encroaches on its natural habitats.
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