Crystals in the sun
The crystal plant, also known as ice plant, is a rare, indigenous plant that grows along the coast in sandy or gravely habitats. It is called so because the entire plant is covered in crystalline bladders which shine in the sun. It is native to Europe,...
The crystal plant, also known as ice plant, is a rare, indigenous plant that grows along the coast in sandy or gravely habitats. It is called so because the entire plant is covered in crystalline bladders which shine in the sun. It is native to Europe, Africa and western Asia.
The leaves are thick and succulent and help the plant survive in a salty environment
The plant is also known as mesembryanthemum, which is derived from its scientific name, but this is so difficult to remember and pronounce that I think it is hardly ever used. This name was given to it because the flowers open only on sunny days close to midday. In Maltese it is known as kristallina kbira.
The seeds germinate in winter and the flowers appear in spring and early summer. After the flowering season, the plant dies, although, in the right conditions it can survive for another year or more.
The leaves are thick and succulent and help the plant survive in a salty environment.
It forms circular patches of a diameter of about one metre and hardly ever rises more than 10 centimetres above the ground.
The thick leaves are edible, as are the seeds but these are so small that they are eaten only in emergencies. The plant is also used medicinally as an anti-inflammatory and is particularly effective for the treatment of the membranes of the lungs and genitourinary system. The leaves can be crushed and used instead of soap.
The crystal plant is very rare in the Maltese islands and wild specimens should not be used medicinally or for any other purpose as this could endanger the existence of this species locally.
The seeds of this attractive plant are easily cultivated and it would be a good idea if it was used as an ornamental plant in public areas close to the sea instead of non-indigenous species.
A more common indigenous species is the lesser crystal plant which grows in the same habitat as the former plant. Both species accumulate salt in their leaves.
When the plants die, this salt leaches into the soil and increases the salinity of the surrounding sub-strata, letting the seeds of less salt-tolerant species germinate and grow.
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