CRYSTAL ICE PLANT Mesembryanthemum crystallinum Seeds

Prostrate succulent herb covered in large bladder cells, giving them a distinctive glistening appearance

Introduced from Europe and Africa, their unique physiology and ability to accumulate salt has enabled them to establish in disturbed and saline areas across southern australia

A robust succulent herb or dense prostrate shrub to 1 m wide, plants are densely papillose with large bladder cells, especially prominent on the receptacle These give the plant a glistening appearance, and hence the species name Ice plant

Annual, biennial or perennial

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

Flowers in spring to early summer , flowers open in the morning and close at night, and are insect pollinated

Seeds germinate during the cooler months of the year and the plants grow though to mid or late summer after which they dry out and die Some plants may survive another year if conditions are favourable

This plant is related to barilla , saltbush and seablite and a relative of this plant is widely used throughout Europe as a sea vegetable

Bush Food: The leaves of m Crystallinum are edible Seeds can also be eaten The crushed leaves can be used as a soap substitute and has some medicinal uses Attractive pink flower buds and white flowers These flower buds are much sort after by chefs as edible decoration

The crystal ice plant can be used steamed , stir fried or blanched Is a great complement to seafood dishes