Hottentot Fig, Ice-plant
Carpobrotus edulis

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A succulent small shrub. It is a creeper. It grows 10-15 cm high and spreads 100-150 cm wide. The branches are long and have 2 edges. They branch extensively. They lie along the ground. The leaves are flattened and fleshy. They are 11 cm long. They are 3 angled and bent. The flowers are 9-12 cm across. They are light yellow or pink and occur singly. The fruit are shaped like a top. They have a red tint. They are edible.

There are about 25 Carpobrotus species. Also put in the family Mesembryanthemaceae. This one can become invasive.

Where it is found

It is a temperate plant. It is native to South Africa. It requires moisture in hot weather and can be dry in cooler weather. It often grows in rocky dry soils in an open sunny position. It is drought resistant but frost tender. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 8-10. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Angola, Argentina, Australia (country/location of origin), Botswana, Britain, Canada, Central Africa, Chile, East Africa, Egypt, Europe, France, Greece, Hawaii, Ireland, Mediterranean, Mexico, Mozambique, New Zealand, North Africa, North America, Pacific, South Africa (country/location of origin), Southern Africa, South America, St Helena, Tasmania, Uruguay, USA

How it is used for food

The leaves are pickled and used as a substitute for pickled cucumbers in salads. The fruit are eaten fresh by chewing off the narrow end and sucking out the slimy sweet-sour contents. They can be dried, cooked, pickled or made into chutneys and preserves. They can be used for jam.

It is an important food for children. The fruit are sold. It is cultivated.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves flavouring

How it is grown

They can be grown from seeds or cuttings.

Its other names

Local names

Balsamo, Doca, Frutilla de mar, Ghoena, Higo marino, Igcukuma, Ityum'tyum', Kaffir fig, Sour fig, Round-leaved Pigface, Suurvy

Synonyms

Abryanthemum edule (L.) Rothm.; Carpobrotus edulis var. chrysophthalmus C. D. Preston & P. D. Sell; Mesembryanthemum edule L.;