This amazing plant is nearly unknown in the US, at least as a salad vegetable. Known if at all, as common ice plant, this is not the "ice plant" of California seasides. Ficoide glaciale (Mesembryanthemum crystallinum L.) is native to the southern hemisphere and is quite ornamental. It has fleshy, lightly acidic leaves that are covered with shimmering silvery dots (hence its name), giving them a frosty appearance. The leaves are crunchy and refreshing in salads, and may also be cooked like spinach. This plant is currently quite in vogue with French chefs, who are always looking for something new.