Hottentot Fig
Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

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.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Sandy and rocky places near the sea. Naturalized on cliffs and banks by the sea in Cornwall and S. Devon.

S. Africa - Cape Province. Naturalized in Britain.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 2

Fruit - raw. There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent. Insipid. Leaves - raw or cooked. Very mucilaginous, we find it very hard to enjoy them.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

Planted in maritime areas to prevent soil erosion in sandy soils and on steep banks. Plants form a dense carpet and make an effective ground cover. The plant is moderately fire-resistant and can be used in barrier plantings to prevent the spread of forest fires.

Fire retardant: Plants that do not easily burn and can be used in barrier plantings to limit the spread of forest fires.

Soil stabilization: Plants that can be grown in places such as sand dunes in order to prevent erosion by wind, water or other agents.

Ground cover: Ground Cover

How it is grown

Requires a well-drained sandy soil in a sunny position. Plants can be grown on dry walls or in the flower border. Established plants are very drought resistant. Very resistant to wind and salt spray. Moderately fire-retardant. Plants are not very frost resistant and can be killed by temperatures below about -2°c. They have naturalized themselves on cliffs along the coast of S. Britain but do not succeed inland unless grown in a sunny sheltered position. A vigorous prostrate plant, rooting as it spreads. The flowers only open in the afternoon.

Propagating it: Seed - surface sow March to June in a greenhouse. Lower night-time temperatures are beneficial. The seed usually germinates in 7 - 10 days at 23°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts. Cuttings at any time during the growing season. Allow the cutting to dry in the sun for a day or two then pot up in a very sandy mix. Very easy.

Best place to grow: Ground Cover; Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy)

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme.