Distinctive, hairless perennial of walls, cliffs and stony banks, this plant, often found in shady places, was so named as each round, fleshy leaf seems to have a little 'navel' in its centre. Its drooping, bell-shaped greenish-white flowers grow in spikes on pinkish, rounded stems and are seen from June to September. It is also sometimes known as 'Pennywort' probably on account of its round, glabrous leaves. It is widespread throughout Ireland, is a native plant and belongs to the family Crassulaceae.
I first identified Navelwort in Laragh, Co Wicklow in 1976 and photographed these specimens on the pier at Allihies, Co Cork in 1985 and at Hook Head in 2008.
If you are satisfied you have correctly identified this plant, please submit your sighting to the National Biodiversity Data Centre
