Native to the mountains of southern Europe, the houseleek is a common garden plant grown mainly for decorative purposes, though its medicinal effects are similar to those of aloe vera.
It can also be used to treat burns, warts, and other skin problems.
The common houseleek belongs to the stonecrop family (Crassulaceae). It has been known to mankind since ancient times. The Romans used to grow it in large vases in courtyards, and Charlemagne recommended it be grown on top of houses, since it was believed that it protected them from lightning strikes.
Other common names were derived from this belief as well, like homewort, Jupiter’s eye (Jupiter was the Roman god of thunder), roof foil, roof houseleek or
thunderplant.
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