Iceplant, Crystalline iceplant, Common Ice Plant
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A succulent herb or shrub. It lies along the ground. It grows 10-20 cm high. It can spread to 1 m wide. The stems are stout. The leaves are oval or heart shaped and can taper to the tip. They are thick and flat with many large glistening lumps. They are 3-8 cm long by 5-20 mm wide. The flowers are white and produced close to the plant. They open in the sunlight. The fruit is a capsule that is star shaped.

It can be invasive. Also put in the family Mesembryanthemaceae.

Where it is found

It is a subtropical plant. It grows on limey sands. It can grow in salty soils. It is usually close to the sea. It needs good drainage. It can grow in arid places. In Argentina it grows from sea level to 1,500 m above sea level. It suits hardiness zones 9-11. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Argentina, Asia, Australia, Canary Islands, Central Africa, Chile, Egypt, Europe, France, Greece, Hawaii, India, Israel, Italy, Mediterranean, Mexico, Middle East, Morocco, Namibia, North Africa, North America, Pacific, Pakistan, Palestine, Portugal, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, South America, Spain, St Helena, Tasmania, USA, Western Sahara

How it is used for food

The leaves are cooked and eaten. The seeds are edible.

It is a commercially cultivated vegetable. It is commonly used in Japanese cooking.

Edible parts

Leaves, fruit, seeds, vegetable

How it is grown

It can be grown from seed or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Cryophytum crystallinum (L.) N. E. Br.; Gasoul crystallinum (L.) Rothm.; Mesembryanthemum breve L. Bolus;