Carpobrotus 3L

Carpobrotus, commonly known as pigface, ice plant, sour fig, Hottentot fig, and clawberry is a genus of ground-creeping plants with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The name refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Ancient Greek karpos “fruit” and brotos “edible”.

Carpobrotus edulis is a very hardy, evergreen, succulent, drought-resistant, spreading groundcover that has triangular-shaped, fleshy leaves.

In spring and summer, (August to October) it bears large, vygie-like, yellow flowers that fade to pink. The large, fleshy fruits that follow become yellowish and wrinkled when ripe. They are edible and make good jams and preserves.

A useful plant for retaining soil on embankments as it grows fast and roots at the nodes. It is often at its best for only 3 to 4 years, therefore interplanting with other robust plants that can take over from it over time is recommended.