ExplorePlants

Crystalline ice plant

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

The crystalline ice plant is a fun and unique plant that looks like it has tiny jewels on its leaves! It can grow in dry places and loves the sun, making it a special survivor in nature.

Habitat: Coastal areas

Appearance

The Crystalline ice plant is covered in tiny, bladder-like cells that sparkle like ice crystals, giving it a unique frosted appearance. Its succulent leaves are often tinged with red, and it produces small, delicate white to pink daisy-like flowers.

KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyAizoaceaeGenusMesembryanthemum
Crystalline ice plant
ornamental trait badgeevergreen trait badgesalt_tolerant trait badgedrought_tolerant trait badge
Crystalline ice plant

Category

Plants

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Ancient sailors ate this plant on voyages to stay healthy and hydrated!

Its 'icy' shimmer comes from special cells that are bursting with salty water!

This plant can live in super salty soil where almost nothing else grows!

Tiny white flowers of the ice plant open and close, following the sun!

Special abilities

Ability

Salt Bladder Shield

Crystalline ice plant can pump excess salt from its roots into shiny bladder cells, then shed them to survive!

Ability

Desert Drinker

Crystalline ice plant has thick, succulent leaves that store precious water, helping it thrive in very dry places.

Ability

Metabolic Maestro

Crystalline ice plant can switch its way of making food to save water, allowing it to survive drought!

Measurements & details

Height
10-60 cm
Spread
30-100 cm
Flower Size
1-3 cm
Bloom Season
Spring to fall
Edible
Yes
Toxicity
None
Lifecycle
Annual
Pollination Method
Insect

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Always wash your hands after touching plants, just to be safe!

Frequently Asked Questions

How tall is Crystalline ice plant?

10-60 cm

How wide does Crystalline ice plant spread?

30-100 cm

How big are the flowers on Crystalline ice plant?

1-3 cm

When does Crystalline ice plant bloom?

Spring to fall

Is Crystalline ice plant edible?

Yes

Is Crystalline ice plant toxic?

None

What is Crystalline ice plant's lifecycle?

Annual

How is Crystalline ice plant pollinated?

Insect

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