Roof Dwellers

These succulents called Hens and Chicks were planted on the premises when we moved in, and they look especially beautiful this year because of all the rain. I always oggle them and wonder what mysteries they hold, does the gel they encase soothe like aloe? I figure if they always look so fabulously healthy they might be good for the health, but I know it doesn't always work that way.

I just read that sempervivum tectorum, as it is known by the knowledgable, were planted on thatch rooves back in old Europe because the moisture packed rosettes of awesomeness retarded fires lit by lightning. So they are firefighters! What else, what else?!