Sweet Hottentot Fig
Carpobrotus deliciosus
Family: Aizoaceae
What it is like
Carpobrotus deliciosus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). 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). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil.
Height (m): 0.2
Where it is found
Not known
S. Africa - Cape Province and Riversdale districts.
Conservation Status:
Countries/locations it is found in
How it is used
Food
Rating: 2
Fruit - raw or used as a garnish for fruit salads. The fruit can also be dried and eaten like candy or made into jams and preserves. There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent.
Medicine
Rating: 0
Other
Rating:
The plant is moderately fire-retardant and can be planted as a barrier to the spread of forest fires in Mediterranean and similar climates. Planted on sunny banks and sandy soils in order to prevent soil erosion.
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, they can be damaged by temperatures below about -2°c and only succeed 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, heavy (clay)
Shade: Semi-shade, no shade
Moisture: Moist