ice plant
• noun
Any of various low-growing succulent plants of the fig-marigold family (Aizoaceae), especially the crystalline ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum) or hardy species of the genus Delosperma, native to southern Africa and cultivated for their fleshy leaves covered in glistening, water-filled bladder cells and their vibrant, daisy-like flowers in shades of magenta, pink, yellow, or white.
"The coastal hillside was carpeted with blooming ice plants whose bright magenta flowers opened fully in the midday sun."
An industrial factory or commercial facility equipped with large-scale refrigeration machinery for manufacturing, storing, and distributing blocks or bags of ice.
"Fishing boats docked alongside the harbor's ice plant to load tons of crushed ice before heading out to sea."
The crisp, succulent, slightly salty leaves and tender shoots of the crystalline ice plant (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum), harvested and eaten raw in salads or lightly cooked as a specialty leafy green vegetable.
"The chef garnished the seafood platter with chilled ice plant leaves to add a refreshing crunch and subtle briny flavor."
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