Crystalline Ice Plant

Family: Aizoaceae
Scientific name: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Description: Plant Form Succulent annual or biennial herb. Size Up to 15 cm tall. Stem Low growing, covered in sparkling crystal-like glands. Leaves Clasp stem at base. Succulent, angular heart-shaped, 6-12 cm long at base but smaller above. Green or reddish. Covered in sparkling crystal-like glands. Flowers Small, round, white with many thin petals. Open in morning and close at night. Fruit and Seeds Capsule up to 12 mm wide with 5 sections. Habitat Dunes, coastal scrub, bare ground, roadsides, rubbish dumps, saltmarshes, old gardens, woodlands, shrublands. Distinguishing Features Slenderleaf iceplant (Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum) also has sparkling crystal-like glands but is smaller and has narrower leaves. Weed Status: Other Weed Weed Type: Environmental, Invasive Garden Escapee Lifeform: Herbaceous

Example images for this weed