21/03/2024
🌱❄️Ice Plant: Ice beauty in the form of diamond lettuce
Discover the beauty and usefulness of the Ice Plant at Kaly aquaponic farm. A fascinating succulent with medicinal properties that will soon become an exclusive product in the Farmia Food range. Diamond lettuce as a new gastronomic treasure.
The Ice Plant, also known as Ice Sunflower (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), is native to South Africa and attracts attention with its striking leaves covered with small transparent growths that resemble ice crystals. This plant is not only aesthetically attractive but also demonstrates the ability to survive in dry and harsh conditions. Recently, the Ice Plant has been tested at our Kaly aquaponic farm with the hope of using it effectively in aquaponics.
🕵Features of Ice Plant
Ice Plant is a low, carpet-like plant with thickened fleshy leaves that have characteristic transparent cells filled with water. These cells act as an adaptation to dry conditions, trapping moisture and forming an insulating layer, which helps the plant to limit water loss. The leaves are silvery green, but can take on a purple tinge at low temperatures.
In summer, the plant flowers and produces small, pink or white flowers that attract pollinators. After flowering, small fruits containing seeds form. The Ice Plant can therefore not only be an interesting ornamental plant, but also an abundant source of food for insects.