Species in the genus, formerly included in Sedum, are popular garden plants, known as sedum, stonecrop, live-for-ever, or orpine. Horticulturalists have hybridized many of the species to create new cultivars. Many of the newer ones are patented, so may not be propagated without a license.
Taxonomy
Hylotelephium telephium and related species have been considered in a number of different ways since first being described by Linnaeus in 1753, including as a section of Sedum by Gray in 1821,[1] or a subgenus. But these taxa are quite distinct from Sedummorphologically.[2]
The separation of the genus has not been universally adopted, for instance a Missouri Botanical Garden website states "Upright Sedums were at one point separated into the genus Hylotelephium, but are now generally included back in the genus Sedum."[5] One of Kew Garden's online databases also lists Hylotelephium as a synonym for Sedum.[6]
Species
The following species are recognised in the genus Hylotelephium:[7]
Hylotelephium means 'woodland distant lover'. 'Hylo' is derived from Greek, meaning 'forest' or 'woodland'. 'Telephium', also derived from Greek, means 'distant-lover'; the plant was thought to be able to indicate when one's affections were returned.[8]
Gledhill, David (2006). The names of plants (4th ed.). Cambridge: Cambridge University Press. ISBN0521866456. Archived from the original on 2023-02-08. Retrieved 2023-02-08.
Thiede, J; Eggli, U (2007). "Crassulaceae". In Kubitzki, Klaus (ed.). Berberidopsidales, Buxales, Crossosomatales, Fabales p.p., Geraniales, Gunnerales, Myrtales p.p., Proteales, Saxifragales, Vitales, Zygophyllales, Clusiaceae Alliance, Passifloraceae Alliance, Dilleniaceae, Huaceae, Picramniaceae, Sabiaceae. Springer. pp. 83–119. ISBN978-3540322146. Archived from the original on 2023-02-08. Retrieved 2023-02-08. (full text atArchived 2020-10-19 at the Wayback MachineResearchGate)
Ohba, Hideaki (March 1977). "The taxonomic status of Sedum telephium and its allied species (Crassulaceae)". The Botanical Magazine Tokyo. 90 (1): 41–56. doi:10.1007/BF02489468. S2CID22239507.
"Sedum 'Purple Emperor'". Plant Finder: Gardening Help. Missouri Botanical Garden. Archived from the original on 27 October 2017. Retrieved 17 October 2019.