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Carpobrotus glaucescens

Basic Information

Family: Aizoaceae

Genus: carpobrotus

Plant ID (slug): carpobrotus-glaucescens

Numeric ID: 23834

USDA Hardiness: 8-11

Ratings

Physical Characteristics

Carpobrotus glaucescens is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.3 m (1ft) by 2 m (6ft 7in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Insects. Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.

Distribution

Australia - Queensland, New South Wales, Victoria.

Habitats

Cultivated Beds;

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[193]. Considered a delicacy by the native people, the fruit has a soft, wet pulp with the flavour of salty strawberries or fresh, juicy figs[193]. The red to purple fruit is 20 - 30mm long[365]. Leaves - a salty flavour[193].

Medicinal Uses

The leaves are antiscorbutic[343]. The juice from the succulent leaves has been applied externally to relieve pain from insect bites[343].