Disphyma australe aka Disphyma

Disphyma australe is a low, perennial succulent from New Zealand. It belongs to the Aizoaceae family. Kew classes its growth form as a succulent subshrub. Its native range has a subtropical climate. The plant grows on coastal rocks, gravel, cliffs and dunes. These habitats occur throughout New Zealand. An older name for the species is Mesembryanthemum australe. Common names include New Zealand ice plant and New Zealand pig's faces.

Plants reach about 0.33 feet [0.1 metres] in height. They spread to about 1.6 feet [0.5 metres] across. This makes a small, low plant for a cultivated bed. Its coastal origin also suits gardens exposed to sea winds. The supplied sources give no further leaf or stem details. They also give no flower colour or flowering season. Flowers carry both male and female organs, and insects pollinate them. Plants raised from seed can flower within their first year. They can also set seed in that first growing season.

Give this plant full sun and soil that drains freely. It does not grow in shade. Sandy and loamy soils both suit it. The soil may be mildly acid, neutral or mildly alkaline. It accepts dry or moist soil, but drainage remains important. Rich soil is not needed for good growth. Plants For A Future suggests poor soil may improve cold tolerance. The plant also tolerates exposure to coastal winds. Beds beside south-facing or west-facing walls are listed growing sites.

Plants For A Future lists USDA hardiness zones 8–11. It also warns that British winters can limit outdoor survival. Gardeners in Britain can grow it as an annual. Sow seed in a greenhouse in early spring. Move seedlings into separate pots once large enough to handle. Plant them outdoors after the last expected frost. Another option is to take cuttings during summer. Keep those cuttings in a greenhouse through winter.

The leaves and the inner part of the fruit are edible. The recorded use for the leaves is pickling. Plants For A Future gives edibility a low score. It reports no known hazards, but gives no detailed safety assessment. It lists no known medicinal or other uses. The source does not flag the species as weedy.