Karkalla, Pigface
Carpobrotus rossii

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A plant which forms a carpet over the ground. It spreads 2-4 m wide. The stems are slender. The leaves are succulent or soft and fleshy. They are triangle shaped in cross section. The leaves are up to 6-10 cm long and 5-8 mm broad. They are curved inwards and taper from the base. The flowering branches curve upwards. The flowers are large and purple or pink. They are 3.5-5.5 cm across. The flower stalks are 3 cm long. The fruit are 2 cm long by 1.5 cm wide and almost round. They are purplish-red.

It is good for binding loose soil. There are about 25 Carpobrotus species. Also put in the family Mesembryanthemaceae.

Where it is found

Temperate. It can grow in the subtropics and in semiarid places. It needs well drained soil. It can grow in dry soil and in full sun. It cannot stand frost. It can grow near coasts. It grows on sand dunes and the edges of salt marshes. Melbourne Botanical Gardens. Hobart Botanical Gardens. Tasmania Herbarium. Arboretum Tasmania.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Tasmania (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The fruit are eaten both fresh and dried. The leaves are eaten with meat. They are salty. They can be eaten raw or cooked.

It is produced commercially.

Edible parts

Fruit, flowers, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed, cuttings or divisions of the stems which have rooted. Cuttings form roots quickly.

Its other names

Local names

Gadwud, Katwort, Keeng-a, Puuyuupkil, Wenddar

Synonyms

Mesembryanthemum rosii Haw.;