Common iceplant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, Sp. Pl.: 480 (1753))

Family: Aizoaceae

Author: L.

Bibliography: Sp. Pl.: 480 (1753)

Year: 1753

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mesembryanthemum

Vegetable: False

Observations: Macaronesia, Medit. to Mauritania, Namibia to Cape Prov., Arabian Pen.

Description

The Common iceplant is a fascinating and resilient species scientifically known as Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. This unique plant is part of the Aizoaceae family and was first detailed in the authoritative botanical reference “Species Plantarum” in 1753 by Carl Linnaeus.

Native to diverse geographic regions including Macaronesia, the Mediterranean stretching to Mauritania, as well as Namibia extending to the Cape Province of South Africa, and the Arabian Peninsula, the Common iceplant showcases incredible adaptability to various environmental conditions.

Renowned for its glistening, crystalline appearance, the Common iceplant features plump, succulent leaves that are often covered with glistening bladder cells, or trichomes. These cells serve a vital role in the plant’s ability to survive in arid and saline conditions typical of its native habitats. The plant’s name, “crystallinum,” aptly references these sparkling structures that can make the plant appear as though it is coated in ice or dew.

In addition to its striking visage, Mesembryanthemum crystallinum has garnered attention for its ecological role and uses. It helps stabilize sandy soils and prevent erosion, contributing to the environmental balance in its native regions. Moreover, it’s often considered a pioneer species in disturbed ecosystems, preparing the ground for other vegetation.

Botanists and horticulturists admire the Common iceplant not only for its hardiness but also for its aesthetic appeal in xeriscaping, an approach to landscaping that reduces or eliminates the need for irrigation. With its lush foliage and small, daisy-like flowers, the Common iceplant brings both beauty and practical benefits to gardens designed to thrive on minimal water.

As we explore the myriad aspects of the Common iceplant, from its botanical characteristics to its ecological importance, it becomes clear that Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is much more than just a common sight—it’s a fascinating example of nature’s adaptability and resilience.

Common Names

Spa: barrilla, barrilla de canarias, cabellera de la reina, escarchada, escarchosa, herba de plata, herba gelada, hierba de la plata
Eng: common iceplant, crystalline iceplant, ice plant, iceplant
Deu: eiskraut, kristall-eiskraut
Fra: ficoïde glaciale, ficoïde à cristaux, mésembryanthème à cristaux, ficoïde cristalline
Dan: is-middagsblomst
Por: barrilha, erva-do-orvalho, erva-geleda, orvalho
Swe: isört
Hun: jeges kristályvirág
Nld: ijsplantje
En: Common iceplant, Crystalline iceplant, Iceplant, Ice plant, Common Ice-plant
Ar: غسول (غَسول)، طرطير, بز الكلبه (بِز الكلبه), سمح (سَمْح، سِمِح)
Ca: Herba gelada
Da: Is-middagsblomst
Nl: IJsplantje
Fr: Ficoïde cristalline, Ficoïde glaciale, Ficoïde à cristaux, Mésembryanthème à cristaux
De: Eiskraut, Kristall-Eiskraut, Eispflanze, Kristall-Mittagsblume
He: אהל הגבישים
Hu: Jeges kristályvirág
It: Erba-cristallina comune, Erba cristallina, Erba ghiacciola
Pt: Barrilha, Erva-do-orvalho, Erva-geleda, Orvalho
Es: Barrilla de Canarias, Escarchada, Escarchosa, Barrilla, Cabellera de la reina, Herba de plata, Herba gelada, Hierba de la plata, Hierba del rocío, Escarcha
Sv: Isört

Synonyms

• Gasoul crystallinum ((L.) Rothm.)
• Cryophytum crystallinum ((L.) N.E.Br.)
• Mesembryanthemum breve (L.Bolus)
• Cryophytum parvum (L.Bolus)
• Mesembryanthemum glaciale (Haw.)

Distribution

• Algeria (native)
• Baleares (native)
• Canary Is. (native)
• Cape Provinces (native)
• Corse (native)
• Cyprus (native)
• Egypt (native)
• France (native)
• Italy (native)
• Libya (native)
• Madeira (native)
• Mauritania (native)
• Morocco (native)
• Namibia (native)
• Palestine (native)
• Sardegna (native)
• Saudi Arabia (native)
• Selvagens (native)
• Sicilia (native)
• Sinai (native)
• Spain (native)
• Tunisia (native)
• Western Sahara (native)
• Yugoslavia (native)
• Argentina South (introduced)
• Arizona (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Chile Central (introduced)
• Chile North (introduced)
• Congo (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• Greece (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• Mexican Pacific Is. (introduced)
• Mexico Northwest (introduced)
• Pakistan (introduced)
• Pennsylvania (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Uzbekistan (introduced)
• Venezuela (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)
• Western Australia (introduced)

Additional Images

Flower

Taken Feb 7, 2020 by Rafeeq Baderoen (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2017 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2017 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 9, 2019 by López miguel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2017 by Kayla Crane (cc-by-sa)

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

© copyright of the Board of Trustees of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.

Leaf

Taken Jan 16, 2020 by Layla Layla Osama (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 16, 2021 by Montenegro Alberto (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 21, 2017 by Zachary Holderby (cc-by-sa)

Taken May 15, 2017 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 6, 2018 by Chloé Lambert (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Mar 15, 2015 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Mar 6, 2016 by david (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 1, 1970 by Photoflora – L’Abbé COSTE (©)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Apr 1, 2014 by EOL − Matthew O’Donnell (cc-by-nc-sa)

Taken Sep 15, 2019 by huy HO (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 12, 2012 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 12, 2012 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)

Taken Jan 12, 2012 by EOL − Jon Sullivan (cc-by-nc)

Habit

Taken Mar 18, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 11, 2015 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 6, 2016 by Tela Botanica − Ans GORTER (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 21, 2018 by Matesanz Ángel (cc-by-sa)

Bark

Taken Apr 3, 2017 by bas yves (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Apr 15, 2006 by Photoflora – Benoit BOCK (©)

Taken Oct 21, 2019 by Carole (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 18, 2004 by Tela Botanica − Liliane Roubaudi (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/3084839)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:362764-1)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.)

Specifications

Growth habit: Forb/herb

Growth

Ph maximum: 7.5

Ph minimum: 7.0

Light: 9

Atmospheric humidity: 6

Bloom months: [‘apr’, ‘may’, ‘jun’, ‘jul’]

Soil nutriments: 7

Soil salinity: 4