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Aizoaceae

Aizoaceae, commonly known as the ice plant family, is a diverse group of succulent plants characterized by their remarkable resilience to arid conditions. In an agricultural context, these plants are highly valued for their ability to thrive in regions where water is scarce and soil quality is poor, making them a strategic choice for sustainable farming in dry environments.

Main sections

Conophytum15 Delosperma14 Cheiridopsis12 Lithops12 Lampranthus11 Argyroderma9 Drosanthemum7 Aloinopsis6 Carpobrotus6 Aizoon5 Dinteranthus5 Gibbaeum5 Ebracteola4 Lampranthus4 Cerochlamys3 Delosperma3 Dorotheanthus3 Faucaria3 Mestoklema3 Astridia2
97 sections

What the section contains

Aizoon Aizoon 5 items Aloinopsis Aloinopsis 6 items Antimima Antimima Aptenia Aptenia N.R. Br. 1 item Aptenia Aptenia Argyroderma Argyroderma 9 items Astridia Astridia 2 items Bergeranthus Bergeranthus 1 item Carpanthea Carpanthea Carpobrotus Carpobrotus N. E. Br. 1 item Carpobrotus Carpobrotus 6 items Cephalophyllum Cephalophyllum 2 items Cerochlamys Cerochlamys 3 items Chasmatophyllum Chasmatophyllum Cheiridopsis Cheiridopsis 12 items Conicosia Conicosia 2 items Conophytum Conophytum 15 items Cypselea Cypselea Deilanthe Deilanthe Delosperma Delosperma N. E. Br. 3 items Delosperma Delosperma 14 items Didymaotus Didymaotus Dinteranthus Dinteranthus 5 items Disphyma Disphyma N. E. Br. x Glottiphyllum Haw. ex N. E. Br. 1 item Disphyma Disphyma N. E. Br. 1 item Disphyma Disphyma 1 item Dorotheanthus Cleretum 3 items Dracophilus Dracophilus Drosanthemum Drosanthemum 7 items Ebracteola Ebracteola 4 items Erepsia Erepsia 1 item Faucaria Faucaria 3 items Fenestraria Fenestraria 1 item Frithia Frithia 2 items Galenia Galenia 1 item Gibbaeum Gibbaeum 5 items Glottiphyllum Glottiphyllum Haw. ex N. E. Br. 1 item Glottiphyllum Glottiphyllum 1 item Grey spinach Tetragonia caesia Gunniopsis Gunniopsis 1 item Jordaaniella Jordaaniella 2 items Lampranthus Lampranthus N. E. Br. 4 items Lampranthus Lampranthus 11 items Lapidaria Lapidaria 1 item Lithops Lithops 12 items Malephora Malephora 2 items Marlothistella Marlothistella 2 items Mesembryanthemum Mesembryanthemum L. 1 item Mesembryanthemum aitonis Mesembryanthemum aitonis Mesembryanthemum coriarium Mesembryanthemum coriarium Mesembryanthemum cryptanthum Mesembryanthemum cryptanthum Mesembryanthemum digitatum Mesembryanthemum digitatum Mesembryanthemum guerichianum Mesembryanthemum guerichianum Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Mesembryanthemum nodiflorum Mesembryanthemum spectabile Mesembryanthemum spectabile Mesembryanthemum tenuiflorum Mesembryanthemum tenuiflorum Mesembryanthemum theurkauffii Mesembryanthemum theurkauffii Mesembryanthemum tortuosum Mesembryanthemum tortuosum Mestoklema Mestoklema 3 items Micropterum Micropterum

Aizoaceae

Originating primarily from the arid landscapes of Southern Africa, the family has expanded across various global regions, including parts of Australia and the Americas. Their natural habitats are typically characterized by rocky or sandy soils, high solar radiation, and limited, sporadic rainfall, which has shaped their evolutionary path.

Botanically, Aizoaceae are defined by their thickened leaves or stems that act as water-storage organs. Many species possess specialized cells called bladder cells on their surfaces, which glitter in the sun—hence the name "ice plant." These structures help the plant manage heat stress and minimize water loss through evaporation during peak daylight hours.

The agronomic management of Aizoaceae focuses on mimicking their native dry environment. They require well-draining, porous soil and intense sunlight to maintain healthy growth. Nitrogen-rich fertilizers should be applied sparingly, as these plants are naturally adapted to nutrient-poor substrates, and over-fertilization often leads to weak, susceptible tissues.

  • Edible varieties used as leafy greens or specialized salads.
  • Restoration of degraded soils in arid agricultural zones.
  • Ornamental production for drought-tolerant landscaping.
  • Potential research in biofuel production or salt-tolerant fodder crops.

Diseases in Aizoaceae are almost exclusively related to improper hydration, with root rot being the most significant threat. Pest management should focus on early detection of mealybugs and spider mites, which thrive in dry conditions. Ensuring proper air circulation and strictly monitoring irrigation schedules are the most effective preventive measures for maintaining crop health.