Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.

Stem and Leaf Morphology

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. produces creeping stems that reach 20–60 centimetres (8–23+1⁄2 inches) in length, with leaves that grow 2–10 cm (3⁄4–4 in) long.

Flowering Characteristics

It flowers from March to October; its many-petalled flowers are 2.5 cm (1 in) across, open in the morning and close at night, and are pollinated by insects.

Epidermal Cell Function

The entire species is covered with enlarged epidermal cells called "bladder cells", whose main function is water storage.

Life Cycle

This plant can be annual, biennial or perennial, but its life cycle is usually completed within several months, depending on environmental conditions.

Native and Naturalized Range

Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is native to Africa, Sinai, and southern Europe, and has become naturalized in the Southwest of North America, as well as in South America and Australia.

Soil Type Tolerance

It grows across a wide range of soil types, from well-drained sandy soils including sand dunes, to loamy and clay soils.

Habitat Adaptations

It tolerates nutritionally poor or saline soils, classifying it as a halophile, and grows well in disturbed sites such as roadsides, rubbish dumps, and homestead yards.

Invasive Status

M. crystallinum is listed as an invasive species in North America, South America, and Australia.

Invasive Competitive Traits

Its ability to grow in poor quality or saline soils and preference for disturbed areas are traits shared by many invasive plants that allow it to outcompete native species.

Soil Salinization Mechanism

In addition, salt sequestered over the plant's lifetime leaches into the soil after the plant dies, creating an environment where the seeds of other plants struggle to germinate.

Colonization Advantage

This lets M. crystallinum colonize new areas with very little competition.

Livestock Grazing

The plant is rarely, if ever, grazed by domestic livestock.

Edible Leaves

Like some other members of the family Aizoaceae, the leaves of M. crystallinum are edible.

Historical Promotion as Vegetable

It was once promoted as a spinach-like vegetable in the United States and Europe, but failed to gain popularity.

Southern Africa Culinary Use

In southern Africa, wild-harvested leaves and stems are pickled.

Japanese Commercial Cultivation

In Japan, after Saga University successfully hydroponically cultivated a commercial quantity of the species in 2009, it became a common vegetable sold in supermarkets, where it is sold under the names ice plant (アイスプラント), salt leaf (ソルトリーフ), and barafu (バラフ).

Edible Seeds

The seeds of the species are also edible.

Crushed Leaf Uses

Crushed leaves can be used as a soap substitute, and have medicinal uses.

Firescaping Use

In South Africa, ice plants are also used to deter fires, or for "firescaping" gardens.

Ornamental Cultivation

It is also cultivated as an ornamental plant.

Bioremediation Potential

Due to its salt accumulation ability, M. crystallinum may be useful for bioremediation.