Heartleaf iceplant (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, Suppl. Pl.: 260 (1782))

Family: Aizoaceae

Author: L.f.

Bibliography: Suppl. Pl.: 260 (1782)

Year: 1782

Status: accepted

Rank: species

Genus: Mesembryanthemum

Vegetable: Unknown

Observations: E. Cape Prov. to KwaZulu-Natal

Description

The Heartleaf iceplant, scientifically known as Mesembryanthemum cordifolium, is a charming succulent widely admired for its resilient nature and unique aesthetic appeal. Described first by L.f. in 1782 in the supplementary plant records of “Suppl. Pl.: 260,” this plant has a rich historical lineage and remains popular among succulent enthusiasts and botanists alike.

Native to the regions stretching from the Eastern Cape Province to KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, the Heartleaf iceplant thrives in coastal and dry habitats, adapting remarkably well to various environmental conditions typical of these areas. Its presence in these provinces contributes to the local biodiversity and highlights the adaptability of the Aizoaceae family to which it belongs.

Characterized by its heart-shaped leaves, the plant’s common name, Heartleaf iceplant, perfectly encapsulates this defining trait. The succulent leaves, often shimmering with a frosty appearance due to tiny, bladder-like cells on their surfaces, make the plant an attractive addition to gardens and indoor plant collections. These leaves, not only ornamental, help the plant retain water efficiently, allowing it to survive in arid climates.

The Heartleaf iceplant is also known for its colorful and vibrant flowers. Blooming in shades of pink, purple, and sometimes white, the flowers usually open during the day to soak up the sunlight, contributing to the plant’s photosynthesis process. These blooms add a splash of color to rocky gardens and coastal landscapes, ensuring the plant’s popularity among both landscape designers and hobbyist gardeners.

Caring for Mesembryanthemum cordifolium requires minimal effort, as it is a low-maintenance plant. It thrives in well-draining soil and requires full sun to partial shade. Overwatering should be avoided, as it can lead to root rot—a common issue in succulents. Propagation is typically accomplished through stem cuttings, which root easily and grow into new plants, spreading their ice-like foliage and delicate blooms across garden beds.

In essence, the Heartleaf iceplant (Mesembryanthemum cordifolium) brings together resilience, beauty, and ease of care. Its native roots in South Africa’s Eastern Cape and KwaZulu-Natal provinces, striking heart-shaped leaves, and colorful flowers make it a favorite among those looking to add a touch of nature’s artistry to their living spaces.

Common Names

Eng: heartleaf iceplant
Deu: herzblättrige aptenia
Spa: rocio
Por: rosinha-do-sol
En: Heartleaf iceplant, Heart-leaved Ice-plant
Ca: Cabellera de la reina
Fr: Ficoïde à feuilles en coeur
De: Herzblättrige Aptenia
It: Erba-cristallina cordifolia
Pt: Rosinha-do-sol
Es: Rocio

Synonyms

• Aptenia cordifolia ((L.f.) Schwantes)
• Litocarpus cordifolius ((L.f.) L.Bolus)
• Mesembryanthemum tetrasepalum (Regel)
• Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum (Hovey)

Distribution

• Cape Provinces (native)
• Algeria (introduced)
• Argentina Northeast (introduced)
• Argentina Northwest (introduced)
• Ascension (introduced)
• Azores (introduced)
• Baleares (introduced)
• Bolivia (introduced)
• California (introduced)
• Canary Is. (introduced)
• Colombia (introduced)
• East Aegean Is. (introduced)
• Ecuador (introduced)
• El Salvador (introduced)
• France (introduced)
• Great Britain (introduced)
• Italy (introduced)
• Juan Fernández Is. (introduced)
• Kriti (introduced)
• Libya (introduced)
• Madeira (introduced)
• Morocco (introduced)
• Mozambique (introduced)
• New South Wales (introduced)
• New Zealand North (introduced)
• New Zealand South (introduced)
• Oregon (introduced)
• Peru (introduced)
• Portugal (introduced)
• Queensland (introduced)
• Sicilia (introduced)
• South Australia (introduced)
• Spain (introduced)
• St.Helena (introduced)
• Tasmania (introduced)
• Tunisia (introduced)
• Victoria (introduced)

Additional Images

Leaf

Taken Mar 7, 2021 by miralles carreras albert (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 3, 2020 by Rios Fátima (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by Navarro Isona (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 2, 2021 by GIOVANA ANDRADE (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 21, 2021 by ROHIT SHARMA SHARMA (cc-by-sa)

Flower

Taken Dec 18, 2021 by paes carlos (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 2, 2022 by Goulidan Finch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 31, 2020 by Quintanilla Katerine (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 12, 2020 by Castañeda Rodrigo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 15, 2020 by Oliveira Silvana Pereira de Oliveira (cc-by-sa)

Other

Taken Feb 23, 2022 by Hayley Crouch (cc-by-sa)

Taken Oct 1, 2022 by de Souza Araújo Ezequiel (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 29, 2022 by line Jane (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 8, 2021 by Villena Rojas Marcelo (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 26, 2022 by #MaryKingfishers MK (cc-by-sa)

Habit

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Apr 16, 2021 by Trap Hers (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 1, 2020 by francois tissot (cc-by-sa)

Taken Sep 22, 2020 by Jivko Nakev (cc-by-sa)

Taken Nov 6, 2022 by claudine chotard (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.

Bark

Taken Oct 28, 2020 by Alicja Marlena Glebocka (cc-by-sa)

Taken Feb 12, 2021 by Valerie Flament (cc-by-sa)

Taken Dec 9, 2021 by cruz bonilla (cc-by-sa)

Taken Mar 16, 2022 by Monteiro Henrique (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jul 3, 2020 by Gonzalez Sylvia (cc-by-sa)

Fruit

Taken Feb 27, 2021 by camarote Ana María (cc-by-sa)

Taken Jan 19, 2020 by Pereira Jorge (cc-by-sa)

Sources

• WFO (No URL)
• GBIF (https://www.gbif.org/species/8185812)
• POWO (http://powo.science.kew.org/taxon/urn:lsid:ipni.org:names:322566-2)
• PlantNet (https://identify.plantnet.org/species/the-plant-list/Mesembryanthemum cordifolium L.f.)

Specifications

Growth