Common Iceplant

(Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)

Common Iceplant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum)

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Estimated Native Range
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Summary

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, commonly known as Common Iceplant, is a prostrate succulent plant notable for its large, glistening bladder cells or water vesicles, which give it the appearance of being covered in ice crystals. This feature is the origin of its common names, which include crystalline ice plant and ice plant. It is native to a variety of habitats including coastal dunes, rocky outcrops, and arid desert-like regions in the Mediterranean, North Africa, South Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula. The bladder cells serve to reserve water, an adaptation to its often dry native environments. The plant exhibits a sprawling habit and typically flowers from spring to early summer. Its flowers, which open in the morning and close at night, are insect-pollinated and display a daisy-like form with a range of colors from white to pink.

Common Iceplant is valued for its unique, ornamental appearance and its ability to thrive in dry, poor soils with minimal water, making it suitable for xeriscaping and rock gardens. It is also used in coastal areas to stabilize soil. In cultivation, it requires full sun exposure and well-drained soils. While it is drought-tolerant, it can also tolerate light watering. However, gardeners should be cautious as Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is known to be potentially invasive in regions such as California and should be planted responsibly.CC BY-SA 4.0

Plant Description

  • Plant Type: Herb, Succulent
  • Height: 0.5-1 feet
  • Width: 1-3 feet
  • Growth Rate: Moderate
  • Flower Color: White
  • Flowering Season: Spring, Winter
  • Leaf Retention:

Growth Requirements

  • Sun: Full Sun
  • Water: Low
  • Drainage: Fast

Common Uses

Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant

Natural Habitat

Native to coastal dunes, rocky outcrops, and arid regions

Other Names

Common Names: Crystalline Iceplant , Iceplant , Ice Plant , Eiskraut , Kristall-Eiskraut , Barrilla De Canarias , Escarchada , Escarchosa , Ficoïde Cristalline , Ficoïde Glaciale

Scientific Names: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum , Cryophytum crystallinum , Gasoul crystallinum , Mesembryanthemum glaciale , Mesembryanthemum breve , Cryophytum nanum , Cryophytum parvum , Pentacoilanthus crystallinus , Perapentacoilanthus crystallinus

GBIF Accepted Name: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.