Common Iceplant
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
- Native to:
- Algeria, Baleares, Canary Is., Corse, Cyprus, Egypt, France, Italy, Libya, Madeira, Mauritania, Morocco, Namibia, NW. Balkan Pen., Palestine, Sardegna, Saudi Arabia, Selvagens, Sicilia, Sinai, South Africa, Spain, Tunisia, Western Sahara
Krzysztof Ziarnek, Kenraiz
Taxonomy
- Division:
- Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants
- Family:
- Aizoaceae
- Genus:
- Mesembryanthemum
- Species:
- Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
- USDA Symbol:
- MECR3
Growth Characteristics
- Life Cycle:
- Annual | Perennial
- Growth Habit:
- Forb/herb
- Height:
- 30 cm
- Light Requirements:
- Full Sun
- Drought Tolerance:
- High
- Bloom Months:
- mar,apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep
- Bloom Colors:
- white, pink
- Ground Cover:
- Yes
Garden & Ecology Notes
- Wildlife Value:
- bees, birds
- Deer Resistant:
- Yes
- Salt Tolerant:
- Yes
Soil Requirements
- Soil Type:
- sandy, saline, well-drained soil
- pH:
- 6.0 - 8.0 (neutral to slightly alkaline)
- Drainage:
- excellent drainage required
- Moisture:
- dry to moderate
- Notes:
- thrives in coastal and saline environments
Propagation & Germination
- Germination Time:
- 7–21 days
- Notes:
- Seeds germinate readily in warm soil with light; no pretreatment needed.