Carpobrotus belongs to Aizoaceae family and consists of about 30 species. They naturally found on dry regions of South Africa, Australia, Mexico, Chile and Pasific Islands. Species in this genus have a vigorous, prostrate growth habit, producing a dense carpet of foliage and making a very effective ground cover. The deep green to grey-green fleshy leaves, arranged in pairs, round to triangular at cross section. Some of the species leaves have finely serrated margins. Large solitary daisy-like flowers are pink, red, purple or yellow. Seven of these species occur in Southern Africa. Flowers are followed by soft, mostly edible fruits. Genus name Carpobrotus is derived from the Greek; ‘karpos’, meaning fruit, and ‘brotos’ meaning edible. They can be planted in maritime areas, especially in Mediterranean Climates, in order to prevent soil erosion in sandy soils, dunes and on banks.

CARPOBROTUS EDULİS – HOTTENTOT FIG – SOUR FIG

Carpobrotus edulis (synonim; Mesembryanthemum edule), is native to South Africa, grows on coastal and inland slopes of Cape Province. The Latin Word; ‘edulis’ means edible.

Hottentot Fig also known as Ice Plant; is a perennial, evergreen, ground-creeping plant with succulent leaves. It produces branching stems that can be up to 3 metres long. Succulent leaves are simple, entire, flat, 3-angled and often glaucous, very slightly curved, have serrated sides near the tips. The plant forms a dense carpet of growth about 20 cm tall that completely covers the soil. Solitary yellow flowers are 8-12 cm in diameter, fading to pale pink. Flowers produced mainly during spring, they open in the morning when there is sun, and close at night. There are many stamens surrounding a starfish like stigma. Fruit is 35 mm in diameter, fleshy and edible.The seeds are embedded in the sticky, sweet, jelly-like mucilage. The fruits can be eaten fresh and they have a strong, astringent, salty, sour taste.This species is easily distinguished from the others as it is the only one with yellow flowers. Carpobrotus edulis is divided into the two subspecies: C. edulis subsp. edulis and C. edulis subsp. parviflorus (has smaller flowers, only reaching 5 cm in diameter).

Carpobrotus edulis is easily confused with its close relatives, including the more diminutive and less aggressive Carpobrotus chilensis , with which it hybridizes readily. C. chilensis has smaller (3-5 cm compared to 8-12 cm) and deep magenta flowers.

CARPOBROTUS ACINACIFORMIS – ELANDS SOURFIG

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to South Africa. It has pink-purple flowers, robust, short, greyish green, sabre-shaped leaves and tasty edible fruits. Like its relatives, forms a sprawling succulent groundcover. It can be distinguished from its related species by its short, stout, gray-green leaves. These are acinaciform; mildly curved and shaped like a sabre, and having the shape of an isosceles triangle in cross-section. The showy pink-purple flowers are 10-15 cm in diameter. The plant is frequently cultivated, especially in mild coastal climates. Its fruits are edible and are used in southern Africa to make a traditional jam.

Carpobrotus root easily from cuttings. They also produced by seed. They can succeed in the drier parts of the tropics and subtropics, and also in the warmer parts of the temperate zone. Plants do not live temperatures below -4°C. They require a well-drained sandy soil in a sunny position. Carpobrotus edulis and Carpobrotus acinaciformis have naturalised in many other regions throughout the world, and they consider as invasive species in some countries, notably in Australia, California and the Mediterranean.

Use in Landscape: Carpobrotus edulis and Carpobrotus acinaciformis are easy to grow succulent plants for ornamentel and groundcover purposes. They are ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens. They are evergreen, drought and wind resistant. They can be planted on sandy ground, on loose sand dunes, lime rich soils and gravelly gardens, rockeries, embankments, and will cascade over terrace walls. They also used as container plant. Both plants have very fleshy leaves and are moderately fire resistant. They are very effective when planted as a groundcover around the houses to create a fire resistant barrier in fire prone areas. They are relatively shallow rooting and are good choice for roof gardens.

Carpobrotus edulis and Carpobrotus acinaciformis are also a useful first-aid plant with edible fruits for the herb or kitchen garden. The leaf juice is astringent and mildly antiseptic. It is mixed with water and swallowed to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and stomach cramps, and is used as a gargle to relieve laryngitis, sore throat and mouth infections. Syrup made from the fruit is said to have laxative properties. The leaf juice also relieves the itch from mosquito, tick and spider bites.