Sea Fig
Carpobrotus aequilaterus
Family: Aizoaceae
What it is like
Carpobrotus aequilaterus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 2 m (6ft). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees. 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 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): 0.2
Where it is found
Naturalised in California where it grows along the coastal strand and in coastal sage scrub at elevations up to 100 metres.
Southern N. America - California, Mexico. Australia - New South Wales, Tasmania, Victoria.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw. They are said to remotely suggest the flavour of strawberry. Leaves - baked. We find them too mucilaginous to be enjoyable.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
Planted in maritime areas to prevent soil erosion in sandy soils and on steep banks. 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.
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, tolerating temperatures down to between -5 and -10°c, and only succeeding outdoors in the milder areas of the country. 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: Cultivated Beds; South Wall. By. West Wall. By.
Habit: Perennial
Hardiness: 7-10
Growth:
Soil: Light (sandy), medium
Shade: No shade
Moisture: Dry, moist