ice-plant

A gardener carefully waters a small ice-plant in a sunny rock garden.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A succulent plant: "ice-plant" refers to a low-growing, fleshy-leaved plant (often Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) whose leaves are covered with glistening, bladder-like hairs that resemble ice crystals or dewdrops. It is native to southern Africa and commonly grown as a ground cover or in dry, coastal areas.

Usage Examples

• (The plant grows well in dry, sunny conditions.)
• (We used it as ornamental ground cover.)

Advanced Usage

• "ice-plant" as a botanical term: In scientific contexts, "ice-plant" may also refer to related species in the family Aizoaceae, characterized by succulent leaves and showy flowers.
  • The ice-plant's leaves are covered with papillae that reflect light. (The tiny bumps on the leaves create a sparkling effect.)

Variants and Related Words

• Iceplant (n): a common alternative spelling (one word).
  • The iceplant is drought-tolerant and ideal for xeriscaping. (It requires little water.)

Synonyms

• Livingstone daisy: a common name for certain ice-plant species with daisy-like flowers.
• Fig marigold: another common name for some ice-plant varieties.

Related Idioms

• "cold as ice": not directly related to the plant, but "ice" in the name evokes coldness.
  • The ice-plant's leaves feel cool to the touch, but it is not actually icy. (The plant's name describes its appearance, not temperature.)