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.

From Scientific American

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

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg