Definition

Noun: 1. A succulent plant of the genus Mesembryanthemum: Any of several low-growing, fleshy-leaved plants native to South Africa, noted for their vibrant, daisy-like flowers that often open fully in bright sunlight. These plants are commonly cultivated in gardens and as houseplants for their ornamental value and drought tolerance.

Usage Examples

• The rock garden was brightened by a patch of fig marigold with its brilliant pink blooms.
• Fig marigolds, also known as ice plants, are excellent for covering dry, sunny slopes.
• She added a fig marigold to her succulent collection because of its showy flowers.

Advanced Usage

• The term fig marigold is often used interchangeably with the common name "ice plant" for many species within the and related genera (like ), due to the glistening, ice-like bladder cells on their leaves.

Variants and Related Words

• Ice plant (n): A common name for many succulent ground-cover plants, including those referred to as fig marigold, known for their moisture-filled leaves that sparkle in the sun.
• Mesembryanthemum (n): The botanical genus name for a large group of succulent plants, which includes the fig marigold.
• Succulent (n/adj): (A plant) having thick, fleshy tissues adapted to store water.

Synonyms

• Ice plant
• Midday flower (referring to some species that open their flowers around noon)

Notes on Different Meanings

• The name fig marigold is specific to certain succulent plants in the family Aizoaceae. It should not be confused with true marigolds, which belong to the genus in the daisy family (Asteraceae). The "fig" part of the name may refer to the fig-like shape of the seed capsules in some species.

Noun

1. any of several South African plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum cultivated for showy pink or white flowers