Description

Disphyma australe, commonly known as the New Zealand Native Ice Plant, is a fast-growing, succulent groundcover naturally found along coastlines. This prostrate plant forms long trailing arms, typically growing to about 20 cm tall and spreading up to 50 cm wide.

The plant is characterized by its thick, succulent leaves, which are linear-lanceolate to oblong in shape, with a distinctive three-angled cross-section. These leaves enable the plant to survive extended dry periods, making it well-adapted to coastal conditions.

Throughout summer, and often year-round, Disphyma australe produces masses of pale pink and white flowers that open and close with the sun, creating a striking display. The plant thrives in full sun and free-draining soil, even growing well in sand.

In its natural habitat, Disphyma australe is mostly found on cliff faces, rock stacks, and boulder/cobble beaches. It occasionally appears in saltmarshes, estuaries, and around petrel burrows in coastal forests on offshore islands.

This versatile plant is commonly used in landscaping as a groundcover, particularly in coastal plantings where it helps retain sand. It's excellent for growing over rocks or for planting to spill over the edges of retaining walls. Its adaptability to harsh coastal conditions and attractive flowering make it a popular choice for seaside gardens and erosion control in sandy areas.