Mesembryanthemum cystallinum, Vegetable
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is a small succulent and invasive ground cover in family Aizoaceae. It is native to South Africa, western Asia and Europe. It is commonly known as Ice Plant, Iceplant, Common Ice Plant, and Crystalline Iceplant. It usually grow in sandy to rocky coastal areas. In order to survive in coastal areas, the plant has a special mechanism to accumulate and then release the salt into the surrounding soil. Most plants will wither and die when salt absorption occurs. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is covered with large, bladder-like cells that store water, glistening in the sun resulting in a frosty appearance. As the plant age, the leaves redden. The edible green leaves are boiled and taken as green, or use it fresh as a salty garnish. The color that Mesembryanthemum crystallinum possess makes it a good ornamental plant, but care must be taken because of its invasiveness. It is knwon to have invade coastal bluffs and grasslands, out-grown native plants and pasture species.  Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Author: Leo-setä (Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic) | ||
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