mesembryanthemum

[muh-zem-bree-an-thuh-muhm]

noun

1. any of various chiefly Old World plants of the genus Mesembryanthemum, having thick, fleshy leaves and often showy flowers.

mesembryanthemum

/ mɪzˌɛmbrɪˈænθɪməm /

noun

1. any plant of a South African genus ( Mesembryanthemum ) of succulent-leaved prostrate or erect plants widely grown in gardens and greenhouses: family Aizoaceae See fig marigold ice plant Livingstone daisy

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesembryanthemum¹

< New Latin (Linnaeus), irregular < Greek mesēmbrí ( a ) midday + ánthemon flower

Word History and Origins

Origin of mesembryanthemum¹

C18: New Latin, from Greek mesēmbria noon + anthemon flower

Example Sentences

Cushman studies Mesembryanthemum crystallinum, also known as the common ice plant.

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The Alternantheras, Amaranthuses, Iresines and Coleus Verschaffelti furnish high and warm colours; while Pyrethrum Parthenium aureum yields greenish-yellow: Thymus citriodorus aureus, yellowish; Mesembryanthemum cordifolium variegatum, creamy yellow; Centaureas and others, white; Lobelia Erinus, blue; and the succulent Echeverias and Sempervivums, glaucous rosettes, which last add much to the general effect.

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Mesembryanthemum tricolor: half-hardy, 3 in., pink and crimson, with dark centre.

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Many species of Mesembryanthemum are cultivated in our gardens, mostly as border-plants.

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The flat leaves of this plant are quite unexpectedly different from those of our other species of Mesembryanthemum, which are usually cylindrical or triangular.

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