Fig-marigold; a genus of the pentagynia order, belonging to the pentandria clas of plants. There are between 40 and 50 species; all African plants, from the Cape of Good Hope; near 40 of which are retained in our gardens for variety. Of these only one is annual, and the most remarkable of them all. It is called the crystallium, diamond ficoides, or ice-plant. It rises with a short, thick, succulent stalk, dividing low into many trailing, very spreading, succulent branches, bespangled all over with icy pimples; very pellucid and glittering; oval, undulate, alternate, papulose or pimply, glittering leaves; and from the sides of the branches, numerous, almost close fitting, white flowers, tinged with red or crimson; succeeded by plenty of seed in autumn. This singular and curious plant, being closely covered with large pellucid pimples, full of moisture shining brilliantly like diamonds, is in great esteem. It is a very tender plant while young; and is raised annually from seed by means of hot-beds. In June it will endure the open air till October, when it perishes; but if placed in a hot-house in autumn, it will often live all winter. It is commonly planted in pots for the convenience of removing from place to place; but if planted in the full ground, it grows considerably stronger, even to luxuriance: however, when confined in pots, it flowers more abundantly.

The other species are mostly durable in stem and foliage. Some are shrubby; others pendulous, with loose straggling stems, and branches inclining to the ground; while others have no stalks at all; their leaves are universally very thick, succulent, fleshy; and of many various shapes, situations, and directions; while some are curiously punctured, or dotted with transparent points, and some have pellucid pimples, as already mentioned: they afford a very agreeable variety, at all times in the year, and merit a place in every collection. They are greenhouse plants, and are propagated by cuttings of their stalks and branches.

MESENTERY, in anatomy. See there, no 355.