Mesembryanthemum crystallinum – Ice Plant

Description

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, commonly known as the ice plant, is a low-growing succulent known for its distinctive appearance. Its fleshy leaves and stems are covered with glistening, bladder-like cells that resemble ice crystals, giving the plant its common name.

Native to Africa and parts of Europe, it is a hardy, salt-tolerant plant that thrives in dry, sunny conditions and well-drained soils. The plant can be an annual, biennial, or perennial depending on the climate. Its leaves and stems are edible, with a slightly salty and sour taste, and are used in salads or as a vegetable.

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum seeds, commonly known as ice plant seeds, are tiny, and approximately 6,000 to 6,700 seeds can be found in a single gram. They are typically sown by being scattered on moist soil and lightly pressed down, as they require light to germinate.