Dear Debbie,

Mesembryanthemum, if I understand your question correctly, is not 'just' a plant, but a whole Family of plants, including such genera as Lithops, Conophytum, Mestoklema, Trichodiadema, Ruschia and Pleiospilos, to name just a few. Is there a particular genus / species that you're asking about? This plant family, mostly succulent and mostly (?) hailing from South Africa, has hundreds if not thousands of members.

Thank you for taking the time to answer my question.
I came across the name on a website offering seeds for
mesembryanthemum. I was looking for groundcovers. The
common name I found was 'common iceplant'. I am familiar
with delosperma,hardy iceplant, so now I'm confused.
Thanks again.
Debbie

Dear Debbie,

That's the trouble with common names, or at least one of the problems.

Delosperma can be called 'Ice Plant', and often is, but perhaps what they're referring to is a plant named Carpobrutus edulis, the ice plant one sees here on freeways, beaches and other open areas. Not all that pretty when compared with Delosperma (IMHO) but it's a tough plant.

jeffery;
Thank you so much for your efforts toward clearing up
my confusion...I'm one of those gardeners who know
just enough to know HOW much I don't know.LOL
Debbie