Hottentot Fig

Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Physical Characteristics

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Distribution

S. Africa - Cape Province. Naturalized in Britain[1].

Habitats

Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Edible Uses

Edible Parts: Fruit Leaves Edible Uses: Fruit - raw[1, 61, 89]. There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent[K]. Insipid[46, 105, 177]. Leaves - raw or cooked[2, 173]. Very mucilaginous, we find it very hard to enjoy them[K].

Medicinal Uses

None known

Known Hazards

None known