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(Carpobrotus edulis)
Sour Fig (Carpobrotus edulis)
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Sean Clifford
CC BY 4.0
Image By:
Sean Clifford
Recorded By:
Copyright:
CC BY 4.0
Copyright Notice:
Photo by: Sean Clifford | License Type: CC BY 4.0 | License URL: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ | Rights Holder: Sean Clifford | Publisher: iNaturalist | Date Created: 2021-10-08T17:23:26-07:00 |
Estimated Native Range
Summary
Carpobrotus edulis, commonly known as Sour Fig, is an evergreen succulent shrub native to coastal areas and sand dunes in South Africa. It is a member of the Aizoaceae family, often referred to as the ice plant family. This plant is characterized by its creeping, mat-forming habit, with fleshy, triangular leaves and large, daisy-like flowers measuring 2.5 to 6 inches (64 to 152 mm) in diameter, which can be yellow or light pink. The flowers are particularly showy, opening in the morning in bright sunlight and closing at night, with a peak flowering season from late winter to spring (August–October). Sour Fig can spread extensively, reaching diameters of at least 165 ft (50 m).
Sour Fig is valued for its hardiness, being both drought- and wind-resistant. It serves as an excellent ground cover, particularly in arid and coastal landscapes, and is also used in containers, rockeries, and on embankments where it can cascade beautifully over edges. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. It is also known for its edible fruit, which is used in traditional South African cuisine. However, gardeners should be aware that Carpobrotus edulis can be potentially invasive outside its native range, and it is considered a noxious weed in some regions, such as parts of California and the Mediterranean.CC BY-SA 4.0
Sour Fig is valued for its hardiness, being both drought- and wind-resistant. It serves as an excellent ground cover, particularly in arid and coastal landscapes, and is also used in containers, rockeries, and on embankments where it can cascade beautifully over edges. It thrives in full sun and requires minimal water once established, preferring well-drained soils. It is also known for its edible fruit, which is used in traditional South African cuisine. However, gardeners should be aware that Carpobrotus edulis can be potentially invasive outside its native range, and it is considered a noxious weed in some regions, such as parts of California and the Mediterranean.CC BY-SA 4.0
Plant Description
- Plant Type: Shrub
- Height: 0.2-0.7 feet
- Width: 1-3 feet
- Growth Rate: Moderate
- Flower Color: Yellow, Pink
- Flowering Season: Spring, Summer
- Leaf Retention: Evergreen
Growth Requirements
- Sun: Full Sun
- Water: Low
- Drainage: Fast
Common Uses
Bank Stabilization, Drought Tolerant, Edible*Disclaimer: Easyscape's listed plant edibility is for informational use. Always verify the safety and proper identification of any plant before consumption., Erosion Control, Fire Resistant, Groundcover, Low Maintenance, Salt Tolerant, Showy Flowers
Natural Habitat
Native to coastal areas and sand dunes in South Africa
Other Names
Common Names: Hottentot Fig, Hottentot-Fig, Freeway Iceplant, Ice Plant, Highway Ice Plant, Cape Fig, Chorão-Da-Praia, Gul Middagsblomma, Hottentosvy, Hottentottenfeige
Scientific Names: , Carpobrotus edulis, Mesembryanthemum edule,
GBIF Accepted Name: Carpobrotus edulis (L.) N.E.Br.