Ice Plant
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
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Pl. 1BBA — Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
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IOverview
Overview
Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) is a perennial forb or herb known for its distinctive water-storing leaves and light-loving nature. Native to regions including Algeria, Baleares, Canary Islands, Cape Provinces, Corsica, Cyprus, Egypt, France, and other Mediterranean areas, it thrives in dry, moist conditions and prefers light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils with a pH of 7–7.5. This plant is valued for its edible parts, including leaves, fruit, and seeds, making it a useful addition to gardens or landscapes where space is limited. Its habitat spans from Western Sahara to Yugoslavia, showcasing its adaptability in diverse climates.
Quick answers
What is Ice Plant?
Ice Plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) is a perennial forb or herb known for its distinctive water-storing leaves and light-loving nature.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Ice Plant thrives in full sun to partial shade and prefers well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5. It is adaptable to light (sandy), medium, and heavy (clay) soils but prefers dry to moist conditions. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. Hardy in temperate regions, it can grow up to 0.1 meters tall as a perennial forb/herb. Harvest edible parts including leaves, fruit, and seeds.
Light
9/10
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium, Heavy (clay)
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Forb/herb
Mature size
0.1 m tall
Soil pH
7–7.5
Seasonal calendar
Northern hemisphere · UTC month is September
winterspringsummerautumnwinter
BloomJFMAMJJASOND
For first-time growers
How to grow Ice Plant for the first time
8steps
Start with Ice Plant as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Seeds or small plants, potting soil, containers or garden space.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring after the last frost or in fall before the first freeze.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil with a pH of 7-7.5, ensuring containers have drainage holes.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Direct sow seeds outdoors after danger of frost is past or start indoors 4 weeks before planting out.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid rotting the roots. Keep in a sunny spot, avoiding direct midday sun.
- 6
Ongoing care
Provide full sun and water only when soil is dry. Prune dead leaves to encourage new growth.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back after flowering to maintain shape and prevent legginess.
- 8
Common mistakes
Overwatering, planting in heavy soil, not providing enough sun.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeavesSeed
Edible uses: The ice plant's leaves and fruit are edible. They can be eaten raw or cooked. The seeds are also sometimes consumed after being dried. Typically, the leaves are used fresh in salads for their crisp texture and mild flavor. Fruit and seeds might be added to dishes or prepared as a snack. Skip details on specific cooking methods since they were not provided.
Other uses:Soap
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
24 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
24 native · 6 introducedDistribution across4 continents· 24 native· 6 introduced
Europe6 regions
native (5)CyprusFranceItalyPortugalSpain
introduced (1)Portugal
Asia2 regions
native (2)PalestineSaudi Arabia
Americas1 region
introduced (1)Venezuela
Africa8 regions
native (8)AlgeriaEgyptLibyaMauritaniaMoroccoNamibiaTunisiaWestern Sahara
Broader regions
native:Cape Provinces, Selvagens, Yugoslavia, Sinai
introduced:Argentina South, Arizona, California, Chile Central
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXI
Explore further
Companion planting
Growing zone
XII
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