Ice plant

The ice plant (Mesembryanthemum guerichianum) is one of the most common of the Mesembryanthemum in Namibia, extending from Angola to the north to the South African Karoo. In days gone by, the plant was used for tanning purposes. Of the 12 species of Mesembryanthemum recorded in Namibia, only 2 can be found in central Namibia.

It is an annual succulent and has an easily recognizable by its wet appearance and by its large spreading habit. The surface of the leaves look like beaded water droplets, hence the name. Characteristic features of the ice plant are its large, white to cream-coloured flowers, often emphasized with a reddish tinge. Seeds are dispersed once the papery capsules produced gradually disintegrate.