Pig's Face
Disphyma australe

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

Disphyma australe is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 0.5 m (1ft 8in). 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) and medium (loamy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils. It cannot grow in the shade. It prefers dry or moist soil. The plant can tolerate maritime exposure.

Height (m): 0.1

Where it is found

Coastal rocks and gravels, cliffs and sand dunes throughout New Zealand.

Australia, New Zealand.

Conservation Status:

Countries/locations it is found in

How it is used

Food

Rating: 1

The leaves are pickled. Fruit - the inner portion is used. No further details are given.

Medicine

Rating: 0

Other

Rating:

How it is grown

Requires a very well-drained soil and a sunny position. It does not need a rich soil and is probably hardier when grown in poorer soils. Plants grow well by the coast, tolerating maritime exposure. This species is not very cold-hardy in Britain, it can be grown as an annual, flowering and setting seed in its first year from seed. It is also possible to take cuttings in the summer and overwinter them in the greenhouse.

Propagating it: Seed - sow early spring in a greenhouse. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and plant them out after the last expected frosts. Cuttings in the summer.

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

Habit: Perennial

Hardiness: 8-11

Growth:

Soil: Light (sandy), medium

Shade: No shade

Moisture: Dry, moist

Things to keep in mind

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Mesembryanthemum australe.