Ice plants
Botanical name: Mesembryanthemum
Ice plants
Botanical name: Mesembryanthemum
Description
The ice plants (Mesembryanthemum) are a large group of low-growing, flowering plants. Their common name refers not to their habitat, but their appearance – ice plants have shiny, glistening stems and leaves that can appear to be ice-covered. Hardy and bearing small but showy flowers, several ice plants are commonly cultivated as ornamental groundcovers.
Species of Ice plants
Slender leaved ice plant
Slender leaved ice plant (Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum) is an annual herb succulent endemic to South Africa, Israel, and Jordan. Slender leaved ice plant is widely naturalized throughout the world and grows on coastal bluffs and in salty wetlands. Slender leaved ice plant is considered easy to grow and is occasionally cultivated. It cannot grow when exposed to frost or in the shade. It grows in well-drained garden soil when cultivated.
Baby sun rose 'Variegata'
Baby sun rose 'Variegata' is named for its variegated leaves that are bright green with white margins. This plant is also notable for its magenta flowers. It is used frequently in containers and hanging pots but is also planted as a groundcover in some areas.
Baby sun rose
Baby sun rose (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium) is a succulent species native to South Africa. Baby sun rose is primarily planted for ornamental purposes in gardens and urban spaces. This species is considered fast-growing and is often planted as ground cover in flower boxes and public areas. It can be easily propagated from cuttings and outcompetes weeds when grown in the same area.
Common ice plant
The common ice plant can be used as an edible food ingredient, tasting crispy and slightly salty when eaten on its own. Its leaves, branches, and even the surface of its pods are covered in small, transparent, vesicular bulges. These are crystal-like and oddly-shaped, with some ornamental value.
Mesembryanthemum subnodosum
The mesembryanthemum subnodosum (Mesembryanthemum subnodosum) are a large group of low-growing, flowering plants. Their common name refers not to their habitat, but their appearance – mesembryanthemum subnodosum have shiny, glistening stems and leaves that can appear to be ice-covered. Hardy and bearing small but showy flowers, several mesembryanthemum subnodosum are commonly cultivated as ornamental groundcovers.
Ganna mesemb
The ganna mesemb (Mesembryanthemum aitonis) are a large group of low-growing, flowering plants. Their common name refers not to their habitat, but their appearance – ganna mesemb have shiny, glistening stems and leaves that can appear to be ice-covered. Hardy and bearing small but showy flowers, several ganna mesemb are commonly cultivated as ornamental groundcovers.
Mesembryanthemum articulatum
The mesembryanthemum articulatum (Mesembryanthemum articulatum) are a large group of low-growing, flowering plants. Their common name refers not to their habitat, but their appearance – mesembryanthemum articulatum have shiny, glistening stems and leaves that can appear to be ice-covered. Hardy and bearing small but showy flowers, several mesembryanthemum articulatum are commonly cultivated as ornamental groundcovers.
Mesembryanthemum granulicaule
The mesembryanthemum granulicaule (Mesembryanthemum granulicaule) are a large group of low-growing, flowering plants. Their common name refers not to their habitat, but their appearance – mesembryanthemum granulicaule have shiny, glistening stems and leaves that can appear to be ice-covered. Hardy and bearing small but showy flowers, several mesembryanthemum granulicaule are commonly cultivated as ornamental groundcovers.
Mesembryanthemum inachabense
The mesembryanthemum inachabense (Mesembryanthemum inachabense) are a large group of low-growing, flowering plants. Their common name refers not to their habitat, but their appearance – mesembryanthemum inachabense have shiny, glistening stems and leaves that can appear to be ice-covered. Hardy and bearing small but showy flowers, several mesembryanthemum inachabense are commonly cultivated as ornamental groundcovers.
Care Guide for Ice plants
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Vascular plants Class
Dicotyledons Order
Pinks, cacti, and allies Family
Fig-marigold Genus
Ice plants 
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