Mesembryanthemum. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum. Iceplant.
Botanical name:
Mesembryanthemum. Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L. Iceplant. Diamond Fig.—A biennial plant of the Fam. Aizoaceae, a native of the south of Europe, now distributed, to the Canary Islands, Southern Africa, Australia and California. The stem and under surface of the leaves are covered with crystalline drops, which give the plant the appearance of being coated with ice. H. Mangon obtained as much as 43 per cent. of salts of potassium and sodium from the dried leaves. (A. J. P., 1863, 370.) The herb is without odor, and has a saline, somewhat nauseous taste. It is considered demulcent, diuretic, and has been used in inflammations of the pulmonic and genito-urinary mucous membrane.
