We call them "Ice Plant" here in the US. Aizoaceae or Ficoidaceae is a family of dicotyledonous flowering plants containing 135 genera and about 1900 species. I had a nice one, but it never came back after a particularly brutal winter.

They are succulents and like dry sunny locations. They spread quickly under favorable conditions. They are good for slopes, rock gardens & hot sunny locations.

That is the problem with common names in the UK the 'ice plant' is a Sedum which this isn't looks more like Delasperma to me.

Mg - It's not a problem for everybody in the UK. You are really confusing everybody. Delasperma IS an ice plant and this is certainly an ice plant and ice plants are sedums. Sedums are succulents which is in my response.

Maybe, but saying it is an Ice Plant does not actually advance the naming of this specimen very far. I would like to see the leaves more clearly before jumping to a conclusion.

Saying "Ice Plant" is identifying the family of plants this species belongs to and now we know it's requirements. That says plenty already. I know what the leaves look like. It was growing in my garden as I mentioned. It's a succulent. It requires sunny dry locations. It's mat spreading growth habit. It roots easily from cuttings. I can't be more specific as to which of the 1900 species this is, but I'm pointing in the right direction.

Maybe you can offer something. Do ya think?

Sorry Bathgate but using a common name really doesn't help as they can and do mean different things in different countries. Scientific names which is what Bathgate is asking for avoids confusion. Technically the family is a clear taxonomic category but it is often used instead of the higher order or the lower genus.

According to RHS 'ice plants' could be one of 2 taxonomic families suffix 'aceae' Aizoaceae [eg Dorotheanthus syn. Mesembryanthemum] or Crassulaceae [eg Sedum]

I think it is a Delosperma possibly D. cooperi which according to the RHS is mat forming with light green leaves up to 2 in long. flowers have white anthers.

google and see what you think Badfish.
the Carprobotus grows /extends/trails 5-6 ft!

what ever it is its pretty.

Well, after a little thought and some research I reckon that it is Lampranthus spectabilis.

Whoah there this wasn't a criticism levelled at you personally and your response comes over rather rude in my opinion!
So I do feel I have to respond Bathgate. I wasn't 'bugging you' and I have answered the question posed by Badfish in the next box down.

I am fully aware it is a global website and as such local names are just that, local, and we have had people referring to plants in French/Spanish etc. that I haven't been able to recognise.

The scientific name means that any one in any country can see that the organism they are talking about is the same thing. I don't have a phd in Botany either but if you read my profile carefully you may have seen I am a graduate Botanist/Zoologist with a passion for plants in particular.
You yourself said that this was a great site for learning from. That was all I was trying to do. If I have offended you it was unintentional.

I am always happy to learn from others and regularly do. I have asked plenty of questions over the years and make an attempt to answer people as honestly and accurately as I can. Why is that a problem for you?

Ages ago I wrote a blog about my experiences with common names in an attempt to explain why scientific names are better used than common/local names. How would you respond if your 5yr old daughter came home and said 'Adam [who is 11]tried to put his sticky willy up my skirt'? Do you know what she was talking about?

yep that looks like a good match Owdboggy. I haven't got that far yet only up to the H's in my RHS book. :o)

Agreee Owdb!

I have no idea what you are talking about Sbg nor do wish to dialogue with you. wow!

oh dear at least I tried to explain. sorry badfish for 'hijacking' your post.

for those that may wonder sticky willy is one of over 30 regional/ common names for Galium aparine. one very relived mum:o)

Cool it kids...

Thanks everyone.

Thanks OB, there was just something with the lack of fleshy 2" long leaves that put a doubt in my mind about the original two i suggested.

Lampranthus it is.

It was the lack of long leaves which put me off Mesambs too.
Confess I only got it because I saw one in flower the other day in a Garden Centre and it took me a few days to remember what it was called. Age does terrible things to one's memory. Now where did I put that mouse?