Carpobrotus

Ice plants everywhere (11724)

Carpobrotus sauerne

Carpobrotus glaucescens 01

Carpobrotus acinaciformis-P1020551

CarpobrotusAequilaterus

Carpobrotus is a genus of ground-creeping plants with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The genus is native to South Africa but has been introduced to other parts of the world, such as California, Australia, and the Mediterranean Basin, where it is often found in coastal areas. Carpobrotus species are commonly known as ice plants or pigface and are used in gardens and landscaping for ground cover, erosion control, and as ornamental plants due to their drought tolerance and vibrant flowers.

Description

Carpobrotus plants have thick, fleshy leaves that are triangular in cross-section (triangular prism shape) and can be green, red, or purple in color. The leaves are adapted to store water, allowing the plant to survive in arid conditions. The flowers are large, showy, and usually yellow, pink, or purple, blooming from spring to summer. The fruit of Carpobrotus is edible, with a taste similar to a slightly salty fig or kiwifruit.

Species

There are several species within the Carpobrotus genus, including:

• Carpobrotus edulis (Hottentot-fig, sour fig)
• Carpobrotus acinaciformis (Elands sourfig)
• Carpobrotus chilensis (Chilean sea fig)
• Carpobrotus rossii (Karkalla, pig face)

Ecology

Carpobrotus species are well adapted to a variety of environments but prefer sandy soils and coastal areas where they can spread rapidly. While they are beneficial for erosion control, in some regions, such as parts of Australia and California, they are considered invasive species. Their rapid growth and dense mats can outcompete native vegetation, leading to a reduction in biodiversity.

Uses

Carpobrotus is widely used in landscaping for ground cover, especially in areas prone to drought, due to its low water requirements and attractive appearance. The edible fruit is consumed fresh or made into jams and preserves. In traditional medicine, the juice from the leaves has been used to treat minor burns, insect bites, and other skin conditions.

Conservation and Management

In regions where Carpobrotus is considered invasive, efforts are made to control its spread and manage its impact on native ecosystems. This includes physical removal, the use of herbicides, and the restoration of native plants to outcompete Carpobrotus species.

Gallery

Note: As per the instructions, no placeholder images are included.

See also

• Succulent plant
• Invasive species
• Erosion control
• Drought tolerance