Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.
Frost tender, annual, carpet-forming succulent with thick, fleshy leaves with undulating margins and groups of 3-5, white, narrow-petalled flowers, to 3cm in diameter, in summer. To 10cm, spreading. [RHSD, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
Botanically described as Mesembryanthemum crystallinum by Linnaeus in 1753 [Sp. Pl. p.480/1753].
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum was introduced to Britain in 1775, although Greece is given as the country of origin. [JD]. Don refers to two varieties of M. crystallinum L., ‘one a biennial, which is said to be the true M. crystallinum; and the other an annual, which is the common ice-plant of the gardens, which is called by Hawthorn M. glaciale. The whole plant is covered with glittering white papulae, that shine in the sun, whence it is called ice-plant others name it the diamond plant.’ This latter is likely to be the catalogue plant, according to Don introduced to Britain in 1775. Figured in the Plantarum Historia Succulentarum [PHS pl.128/1804].
History at Camden Park
Listed in the 1850 and 1857 catalogues [H.141/1850].
Notes
Published Oct 10, 2009 - 02:10 PM | Last updated Feb 13, 2012 - 12:54 PM
Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. | PHS pl.128/1803 | BHL
| Family | Aizoaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | South Africa |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | Ice Plant |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Mesembryanthemum glaciale
|
| Confidence level | high |