This evergreen prostrate annual or biennial is native to southern Africa, Sinai, Canary Islands, and southern Europe where it grows on cliffs, coastal bluffs, sand dunes and disturbed areas. It is a member of the fig-marigold family, Aizoaceae, that also includes New Zealand spinach and “living stones” but is not related to either figs or marigolds. Plants grow up to 8″ tall and have 4″ long oval fleshy leaves that are green or red, have wavy margins, and are covered with globular bladder cells that reserve water and glisten like ice in the sun. From spring to early summer, white to pale pink flowers appear that are 3/4 to1 1/4″ across, have thin narrow petals, and resemble sea anemones. The flowers open during the day and close at night. Crystalline ice plant accumulates salt in the soil that inhibits the growth of native plants and is considered invasive in parts of California. With proper care, however, it can be successfully used as a groundcover, in containers, and in rock or seaside gardens. The genus name, Mesembryanthemum, comes from the Greek words mesos, meaning middle, embryon meaning embryo or fruit, and anthemom , meaning flower, referring to the location of the fruit in the center of the flower. The specific epithet, crystallinum, is the Latin word for a vessel made of crystal, and refers to the bladder cells.
Type: Evergreen annual or biennial
Bloom: White daisy-like flowers in spring to early summer.
Size: 8″ H x 12-24″ W
Light: Full sun, partial shade
Soil: Average to lean, dry to medium moist, well-drained
Hardiness: Zones 8-11
Care: Low maintenance
Pests and Diseases: Snails
Propagation: Seed
Companion Plants: Creeping wire vine (Muehlenbeckia axillaris), beancaper (Zygophyllum spp.)
Photo Credit: Wikipedia