106 Species in Genus Mesembryanthemum

Mesembryanthemum: A World of Sparkling Succulents

My name is Ferb Vu, and I’ve always been drawn to the unique beauty of succulents. Their fleshy leaves, adapted to survive arid environments, hold a certain fascination for me. Among my favorites is the genus Mesembryanthemum, a diverse group of flowering plants native to southern Africa. These plants, often called “ice plants” or “fig marigolds,” capture the essence of resilience and vibrant beauty.

The name Mesembryanthemum itself is a window into their unique nature. Derived from the Greek words “mesembria” (midday) and “anthemon” (flower), it refers to the tendency of many species to open their blooms during the brightest hours of sunshine. It’s as if they are solar-powered, their petals unfurling to greet the sun in a dazzling display of color.

A Tapestry of Diversity

What truly captivates me about Mesembryanthemum is the sheer variety within the genus. From low-growing groundcovers to sprawling shrubs, they come in a multitude of forms. Their leaves, often covered in glistening papillae that resemble ice crystals, add to their allure. And the flowers! They explode in a kaleidoscope of colors – vibrant pinks, radiant yellows, fiery oranges, and cool whites. It’s like a painter’s palette splashed across the arid landscape.

Here are species that belong to this diverse genus:

1. Mesembryanthemum aitonis Jacq.
2. Mesembryanthemum amabile (Gerbaulet & Struck) Klak
3. Mesembryanthemum amplectens L.Bolus
4. Mesembryanthemum archeri (L.Bolus) Klak
5. Mesembryanthemum articulatum Thunb.
6. Mesembryanthemum barklyi N.E.Br.
7. Mesembryanthemum baylissii (L.Bolus) Klak
8. Mesembryanthemum bicorne Sond.
9. Mesembryanthemum brevicarpum (L.Bolus) Klak
10. Mesembryanthemum bulletrapense Klak
11. Mesembryanthemum canaliculatum Haw.
12. Mesembryanthemum caudatum L.Bolus
13. Mesembryanthemum chrysophthalmum (Gerbaulet & Struck) Klak
14. Mesembryanthemum clandestinum Haw.
15. Mesembryanthemum corallinum Thunb.
16. Mesembryanthemum cordifolium L.f.
17. Mesembryanthemum coriarium Burch. ex N.E.Br.
18. Mesembryanthemum crassicaule Haw.
19. Mesembryanthemum cryptanthum Hook.f.
20. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.
21. Mesembryanthemum deciduum (L.Bolus) Klak
22. Mesembryanthemum decurvatum (L.Bolus) Klak
23. Mesembryanthemum delum L.Bolus
24. Mesembryanthemum digitatum Aiton
25. Mesembryanthemum dimorphum Welw. ex Oliv.
26. Mesembryanthemum dinteri Engl.
27. Mesembryanthemum emarcidum Thunb.
28. Mesembryanthemum englishiae L.Bolus
29. Mesembryanthemum eurystigmatum Gerbaulet
30. Mesembryanthemum exalatum (Gerbaulet) Klak
31. Mesembryanthemum excavatum L.Bolus
32. Mesembryanthemum expansum L.
33. Mesembryanthemum fastigiatum Thunb.
34. Mesembryanthemum flavidum Klak
35. Mesembryanthemum gariepense (Gerbaulet & Struck) Klak
36. Mesembryanthemum gariusanum Dinter
37. Mesembryanthemum geniculiflorum L.
38. Mesembryanthemum gessertianum Dinter & A.Berger
39. Mesembryanthemum glareicola (Klak) Klak
40. Mesembryanthemum granulicaule Haw.
41. Mesembryanthemum grossum Aiton
42. Mesembryanthemum guerichianum Pax
43. Mesembryanthemum haeckelianum A.Berger
44. Mesembryanthemum holense Klak
45. Mesembryanthemum hypertrophicum Dinter
46. Mesembryanthemum inachabense Engl.
47. Mesembryanthemum junceum Haw.
48. Mesembryanthemum juttae Dinter & A.Berger
49. Mesembryanthemum knolfonteinense Klak
50. Mesembryanthemum kuntzei Schinz
51. Mesembryanthemum ladismithiense Klak
52. Mesembryanthemum lancifolium (L.Bolus) Klak
53. Mesembryanthemum latipetalum (L.Bolus) Klak
54. Mesembryanthemum leptarthron A.Berger
55. Mesembryanthemum lignescens (L.Bolus) Klak
56. Mesembryanthemum ligneum (L.Bolus) Klak
57. Mesembryanthemum lilliputanum Klak
58. Mesembryanthemum longipapillosum Dinter
59. Mesembryanthemum longistylum DC.
60. Mesembryanthemum marlothii Pax
61. Mesembryanthemum namibense Marloth
62. Mesembryanthemum napierense Klak
63. Mesembryanthemum neglectum (S.M.Pierce & Gerbaulet) Klak
64. Mesembryanthemum neofoliosum Klak
65. Mesembryanthemum nitidum Haw.
66. Mesembryanthemum noctiflorum L.
67. Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum L.
68. Mesembryanthemum nucifer (Ihlenf. & Bittrich) Klak
69. Mesembryanthemum occidentale Klak
70. Mesembryanthemum oculatum N.E.Br.
71. Mesembryanthemum oubergense (L.Bolus) Klak
72. Mesembryanthemum pallens Aiton
73. Mesembryanthemum parviflorum Jacq.
74. Mesembryanthemum paulum (N.E.Br.) L.Bolus
75. Mesembryanthemum pellitum Friedrich
76. Mesembryanthemum prasinum (L.Bolus) Klak
77. Mesembryanthemum pseudoschlichtianum (S.M.Pierce & Gerbaulet) Klak
78. Mesembryanthemum quartziticola Klak
79. Mesembryanthemum rabiei (L.Bolus) Klak
80. Mesembryanthemum rapaceum Jacq.
81. Mesembryanthemum resurgens Kensit
82. Mesembryanthemum rhizophorum Klak
83. Mesembryanthemum salicornioides Pax
84. Mesembryanthemum schenckii Schinz
85. Mesembryanthemum schlichtianum Sond.
86. Mesembryanthemum serotinum (L.Bolus) Klak
87. Mesembryanthemum sinuosum L.Bolus
88. Mesembryanthemum sladenianum L.Bolus
89. Mesembryanthemum spinuliferum Haw.
90. Mesembryanthemum splendens L.
91. Mesembryanthemum springbokense Klak
92. Mesembryanthemum stenandrum (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
93. Mesembryanthemum subnodosum A.Berger
94. Mesembryanthemum subtruncatum L.Bolus
95. Mesembryanthemum suffruticosum (L.Bolus) Klak
96. Mesembryanthemum tenuiflorum Jacq.
97. Mesembryanthemum tetragonum Thunb.
98. Mesembryanthemum theurkauffii (Maire) Maire
99. Mesembryanthemum tomentosum Klak
100. Mesembryanthemum tortuosum L.
101. Mesembryanthemum trichotomum Thunb.
102. Mesembryanthemum vaginatum Lam.
103. Mesembryanthemum vanheerdei (L.Bolus) Klak
104. Mesembryanthemum vanrensburgii (L.Bolus) Klak
105. Mesembryanthemum varians Haw.
106. Mesembryanthemum viridiflorum Aiton

Adapting to Thrive

Mesembryanthemum species are masters of survival in harsh environments. Their succulent leaves store water, allowing them to endure long periods of drought. Many species have also developed unique adaptations to cope with intense sunlight and salty conditions. For example, some have specialized salt glands that excrete excess salt, while others have hairs or waxy coatings on their leaves to reduce water loss.

These adaptations not only make them successful in their native habitats but also contribute to their popularity as garden plants. Their low water requirements and tolerance for poor soils make them ideal for xeriscaping and rock gardens.

More Than Just a Pretty Face

While their ornamental value is undeniable, Mesembryanthemum plants have also played important roles in traditional medicine and as a food source. The leaves and fruits of some species, like Mesembryanthemum edule, are edible and have been used in salads and preserves. Other species have been used to treat a variety of ailments, from skin conditions to respiratory problems.

A Continued Fascination

My journey with Mesembryanthemum is an ongoing one. I’m constantly amazed by their resilience, their beauty, and their ability to thrive in challenging conditions. Whether I’m admiring their vibrant blooms in a garden or learning about their unique adaptations, these plants continue to inspire and intrigue me. They are a testament to the power of nature to create beauty and resilience in even the most unexpected places.