Iceplant, crystalline ice plant, fig marigold, frost plant, diamond plant

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 13 min read

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Article Summary

Key Takeaways

This article explains Common Ice plant Facts in simple medical language.
This article explains Common Ice plant Scientific Classification in simple medical language.
This article explains Health Benefits of Common Ice plant in simple medical language.

Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.

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Common Ice plant scientifically known as Mesembryanthemum crystallinum is a prostrate succulent plant belonging to Fig-marigold family Aizoaceae. The plant is native to northern Africa (i.e. northern Algeria, northern Libya, Morocco, Tunisia, and Egypt), south-western Africa (i.e. Namibia and South Africa), western Asia, and southern Europe (i.e. Italy, south-western Yugoslavia, south-eastern France, and Spain), and naturalized in North America, South America and Australia. The plant is covered with large, glistening bladder cells or water vesicles, reflected in its common names of common ice plant, crystalline ice plant or ice plant. Some of the popular common names of the plant are common ice plant, common ice plant, crystalline ice plant, ice plant, ice plant, fig marigold, frost plant, diamond plant, mid-day flowers, dew plant, Diamond Picoides, Edible ice plant, Glacier lettuce and also fig.

The scientific name Mesembryanthemum was derived from the Greek word memoria, which means ‘midday’ and anthem, meaning ‘flower’, and came from a belief that the plants only flowered at midday. After some time, night-flowering species were discovered, and the name seemed inappropriate and was then changed so that it could indicate a flower with its fruit in the middle i.e. Mesos, meaning ‘middle’, embryonic, ‘embryo’ or ‘fruit’, and anthem, ‘flower’. The species name crystalline means ‘with crystals’, which refers to the ice-like bubbles which are found on the leaves and stems. Common name ice plant is thought to be inspired by the glistening, ice-like bubbles on the leaves and stems, but is also reported to have arisen because it is claimed that even on the hottest day; the leaves are cool to the touch. The plant is covered with bladder cells, enlarged epidermal cells. The main function of these bladder cells is to reserve water. The plant is not to be confused with New Zealand spinach, which is occasionally referred to in gardening booklets as the New Zealand ice plant.

Common Ice plant Facts

Name	Common Ice plant
Scientific Name	Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Native	Northern Africa (i.e. northern Algeria, northern Libya, Morocco, Tunisia and Egypt), south-western Africa (i.e. Namibia and South Africa), western Asia and southern Europe (i.e. Italy, south-western Yugoslavia, south-eastern France and Spain), and naturalized in North America, South America and Australia
Common Names	Common ice plant, common iceplant, crystalline ice plant, ice plant, ice-plant, fig marigold, frost plant, diamond plant, mid-day flowers, dew plant, Diamond ficoides, Edible iceplant, Glacier lettuce, fig
Name in Other Languages	Arabic: لوسغ (lusgh), Ghāsūl (غاسول), masnie althalj almushtarak (مصنع الثلج المشترك), aqbaru, taghassul Catalan: Herba cristallina, Herba de plata, Herba gelada, Herba cristal·lina Chinese: Shí yòng bīng yè (食用冰叶), Bīng yè rì zhōng huā (冰叶日中花) Croatian: Dubac vodeni Danish: Isplante Dutch: Ijskruid, Ijsplantje English: Common iceplant, Crystalline iceplant, Diamond ficoides, Edible iceplant, Glacier lettuce, Iceplant, Ice plant, Sea fig Finnish: Jääruoho, jääpäivikki French: Ficoïde à cristaux, Ficoïde cristalline, Ficoïde comestible, Ficoïde glaciale, Herbe à la glace, Mésembryanthème à cristaux German: Eisblume, Eiskraut, Eispflanze, Kristallkraut, Kristal-Mittagsblume, Kristall-Eiskraut, gemeines Eiskraut Greek: Pagokrýstallos fytikó̱n (Παγοκρύσταλλος φυτικών) Hebrew: Ahal haggevishim, אהל הגבישים Hungarian: Jeges kristályvirág Italian: Erba cristallina, Erba ghiacciola, erba cristallina comune Japanese: Aisupuranto (アイスプラント), Komon aisupuranto (コモン・アイスプラント) Korean: A i seu peul laen teu (아이스플랜트) Maltese: Kristallina tar-ramel, Kristallina kbira Norwegian: Ismiddagsblom Polish: Kristalowa połodnička Portuguese: Barrilha, Erva-de-gelo, Erva-do-orvalho, Erva-gelada, Flor-de-gelo, Folha-de-gelo, Planta-de-neve, Orvalho Russian: Khrustalʹnaia trava (Хрустальная трава), Ledianaia trava (Ледяная трава), Mezembriantemum khrustal’nyj (Мезембриантемум хрустальный) Spanish: Barrilla de Canarias, Escarchada, Escarchado, Escarchosa, Escarcha, Flor de la plata, Hierba de la plata, Hierba del rocío Hierba escarchada, Yerba de la plata, Yerba del rocío, Yerba escarcha, Yerba escarchada, Yerba plateada, Cabellera de la reina, Herba gelada Swedish: Isört
Plant Growth Habit	Low growing, annual or biennial, robust succulent herb or dense prostrate shrub
Growing Climates	Maritime sands, salt marshes, roadsides, cliffs, over-grazed areas, areas of coastal erosion, rubbish dumps and homestead yards. It also occurs in a range of vegetation communities, including saltmarsh, samphire flats eucalypt woodlands and shrub lands
Soil	Found on wide range of soil types, from well-drained sandy soils (including sand dunes), to loams and clays. It prefers acid, neutral or alkaline soils, but can tolerate nutritionally poor or saline soils
Plant Size	About 1 m tall
Stem	Trailing, diffusely procumbent, dichotomously branched up to 1 meter long, internodes terete c. 6 mm in diameter. The stems can range from green to red
Leaf	Sessile or petiolate, opposite, or in the branches alternate, petiole, more or less stem clasping, blade ovate or spathulate, flat, acute or acuminate, basal leaves largest, 2-20 cm long, and 3.5 cm broad, margin undulated
Flowering season	July to September
Inflorescence	Axillary or terminal, almost sessile. Basal bracts opposite, leaflike; upper bracts alternate, reduced
Flower	Hermaphrodite (have both male and female organs) and pollinated by Insects. White, suffused pink 7-30 mm in diameter. Calyx lobes 5, unequal. Tube round campanulate, terete, ageing red. Perianth segments 20-40, connate into tube, ovate, retuse and acute white, aging pink.
Fruit Shape & Size	Broad-oblong capsules coarsely papillate, about 6–11 mm long, 5–8 mm wide, perianth lobes sharply reflexed at maturity
Seed	About 200, brown, rough with minute tubercles
Propagation	By seed
Taste	Salty, crisp
Other Facts	The crushed foliage is a soap substitute.
Health Benefits	Controls Pulmonary Tuberculosis Improves Cardiovascular Health Treats Constipation Relief Oral Problems Relief from Minor Skin Problems Controls Skin infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">Inflammation UV Ray Protection

Common Ice plant Scientific Classification

Scientific Name: Mesembryanthemum crystallinum

Rank	Scientific Name & (Common Name)
Kingdom	Plantae (Plants)
Subkingdom	Tracheobionta (Vascular plants)
Infrakingdom	Streptophyta (land plants)
Super Division	Spermatophyta (Seed plants)
Division	Magnoliophyta (Flowering plants)
Sub Division	Spermatophytina (spermatophytes, seed plants, phanérogames)
Class	Magnoliopsida (Dicotyledons)
Sub-Class	Caryophyllidae
Super Order	Caryophyllanae
Order	Caryophyllales
Family	Aizoaceae (Fig-marigold family)
Genus	Mesembryanthemum L. (iceplant)
Species	Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. (common iceplant)
Synonyms	Cryophytum crystallinum (L.) N.E.Br. Cryophytum crystallinum (L.) N.E.Br. ex E.Phillips, 1926 Cryophytum nanum N.E.Br. Cryophytum parvum L.Bol. Gasoul crystallinum (L.) Rothm. Mesembryanthemum breve L.Bol. Mesembryanthemum glaciale Haw. Pentacoilanthus crystallinus Rappa & Camarrone Perapentacoilanthus crystallinus (L.) Rappa & Camarrone

Plant Description

Common Ice plant is a low growing, annual, or biennial, robust succulent herb or dense prostrate shrub that usually grows about 1 meter tall. The plant can be annual, biennial, or perennial, but its life cycle is usually completed within several months, depending on environmental conditions. The plant is found growing in maritime sands, salt marshes, roadsides, cliffs, over-grazed areas, and areas of coastal erosion, rubbish dumps, and homestead yards. It also occurs in a range of vegetation communities, including saltmarsh; samphire flats, eucalypt woodlands, and shrublands. The plant can be found on a wide range of soil types, from well-drained sandy soils (including sand dunes), to loams and clays. It prefers acid, neutral or alkaline soils, but can tolerate nutritionally poor or saline soils as well. Stems are trailing, diffusely procumbent, dichotomously branched up to 1 meter long, internodes terete 6 mm in diameter. The stems can range from green to red.

Leaves

The leaves are ovated to spathulate, forming a tear-drop-shape, with wavy margins, and die from the apex when they are older. Leaves are sessile or petiolate, opposite, or in the branches alternate, petiole, more or less stem-clasping. The blade is ovate or spathulate, flat, acute or acuminate, basal leaves are largest; 2-20 cm long, and 3.5 cm broad, margin undulated. Bladder cells are very large, rounded to elongate. They are yellowish or grassy-green when new, but become rusty-orange with age.

Flower

Each flower appears singly and has numerous thin petals, 5 sepals, and many short stamens. The flowers are 30–50 mm across and the color of the flowers ranges from white to pink to mauve. The flower stalks are also succulent, with the crystals ranging from green to red, however, this varies from location to location. Flowers are hermaphrodites (have both male and female organs) and are pollinated by Insects. Flowering normally takes place from July to September. Flowers open in the morning and close at night.

Fruit

Fertile flowers are followed by broad-oblong capsules borne singly, containing many seeds per cell. They are about 6–11 mm long, 5–8 mm wide, perianth lobes sharply reflexed at maturity.

History

Though it was once grown in California, Australia, the Mediterranean as a decorative plant, it has become more commonly known as an invasive species and a threat to native vegetation. The ice plant was first introduced to California in the early 20th century when it was used to stabilize soil along railroad tracks. There are other forms of this plant that are popular in Asian regions that are also used in the same way, to help control erosion.

Health Benefits of Common Ice plant

Various regions around the world use the common Ice Plant, as well as its cousin Kudzu, to treat different health conditions, including colds, fevers, and even glaucoma. Research has shown that this plant consists of extremely high levels of isoflavones as well as flavonoids and isoflavonoids which are plant metabolites that have a significant effect on human metabolism. The following are just a few of the many different medicinal uses of the Common ice plant

1. Pulmonary Tuberculosis Control

Apart from relieving constipation, the juice of the common ice plant fruit is also known to be an effective solution for pulmonary tuberculosis, which is a transmissible bacterial infection of the lungs. Traditional healers usually add olive oil and honey to the said juice to make it more effective at dealing with pulmonary tuberculosis.

2. Improves Cardiovascular Health

Since there are compounds in ice plants that are very good at putting an end to infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation, the herb is also used for promoting a healthier cardiovascular system. It is said that the use of a common ice plant can help in keeping high blood pressure at bay as well as lowering the levels of bad cholesterol.

3. Relief from Minor Skin Problems

One of the most popular traditional uses of common ice plants is for the treatment of minor skin problems. The sap of the common ice plant is the one that is particularly used for such. The sap of the herb may also be added to bathwater, which is suggested for soothing large areas of the body that are irritated.

4. UV Ray Protection

Did you know that there are a number of sunscreens with Common ice plant extract in them as it offers protection from harmful UV rays given off by the sun? What’s more, various ointments and creams for sunburn also consist of the said extract as it’s very effective in soothing achy and damaged skin caused by too much exposure to the sun.

5. Treatment of Constipation

Another very common medicinal use of the common ice plants is for the relief of constipation. The fruit of the herb is the one that is used as it has laxative properties, and it is turned into juice. People who are prone to constipation may consume common ice plant fruit on a regular basis to encourage the evacuation of the bowels.

6. Relief Oral Problems

Chewing on the tip of a common ice plant leaf is a well-known cure for oral sores. Sometimes the juice of the leaves may be directly applied onto oral sores for a speedier healing process. Gargling with the said juice is also traditionally done for achieving relief from a sore throat and other infections pertaining to the oral cavity.

7. Skin infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">Inflammation Control

Traditional healers also trust on common ice plant, in particular its sap, in dealing with various inflammatory conditions of the skin. Active biological compounds present in it are capable of controlling infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।" data-rx-term="inflammation" data-rx-definition="Inflammation is the body’s response to injury, infection, or irritation, often causing pain, swelling, heat, or redness. সহজ বাংলা: শরীরের প্রদাহ; ব্যথা, ফোলা বা লালভাব হতে পারে।">inflammation. As a matter of fact, some of the most effective topical solutions for psoriasis and other related skin conditions have common ice plant sap in them.

Traditional uses and benefits of Common Ice plant

The plant is demulcent and diuretic.
It is used in the treatment of inflammations of the pulmonary and genito-urinary mucous membranes.
Leaves are used in the treatment of ascites, dysentery and diseases of the liver and kidney.
It can be used externally to relieve itching, pain, swelling and redness of the skin.
Leaves provide a safe trail side nibble, are sometimes pickled, and are demulcent to skin and mucous membranes, make a cooling and healing poultice for treating sunburn or minor lesions.
Skin diseases such as neuro-dermatitis and psoriasis could be treated with Common Ice Plant sap.
The leaf juice is astringent and mildly antiseptic.
It is mixed with water and swallowed to treat diarrhea, dysentery and stomach cramps, and is used as a gargle to relieve laryngitis, sore throat and mouth infections.
Leaves were formerly used as a treatment for scurvy for sailors on long voyages

Culinary Uses

Leaves and stems can be consumed raw or cooked.
They can be used as a spinach
The leaves have an acid flavor; they are thick and very succulent with a slightly salty tang.
They can also be pickled like cucumbers or used as a garnish.
Seed is used as a famine food used when all else fails.
The whole plant is consumed as a cereal.

References

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

Write when the problem started and how it changed.
Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
Basic physical examination by a clinician
CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.

Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician

Tests to discuss with doctor

Temperature chart and hydration assessment
CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated

Questions to ask

What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
Which tests are really needed now?
Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Go to emergency care if you notice:

Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration

Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.

Step 1
Check danger signs first
If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.
Step 2
Record the symptom story
Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.
Step 3
Visit a qualified clinician
A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.
Step 4
Do only useful tests
Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.
Step 5
Follow up and return early if worse
If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips

Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

RX Patient Help

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Write your symptom story. A health professional or site editor can review it before any answer is prepared. This box is not for emergency care.

Emergency first: Severe chest pain, breathing trouble, unconsciousness, stroke signs, severe injury, heavy bleeding, or rapidly worsening symptoms need urgent local medical care now.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this article a replacement for a doctor?

No. It is educational content only. Patients should consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment.

When should I seek urgent care?

Seek urgent care for severe symptoms, rapidly worsening condition, breathing difficulty, severe pain, neurological changes, or any emergency warning sign.