Noonflower, Angular pigface, Chilean pigface
Carpobrotus aequilaterus

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A fleshy plant which keeps growing from year to year. It grows about 30 cm high but spreads about 1 m wide. The stems are stout and lie along the ground. They develop suckers. The leaves are succulent and opposite. The leaves are triangle shaped in cross section. They are greyish-green. Leaves can be 9 cm long. The flowers are large. They are pinkish-purple. They occur singly on short stalks between the 2 end leaves. The fruit are fleshy and edible.

There are about 25 Carpobrotus species. Also put in the family Mesembryanthemaceae.

Where it is found

It grows in coastal regions. It can grow in slightly salty areas. It grows in temperate places. It will grow in most soils but needs an open sunny position. It is drought resistant but sensitive to frost. It suits hardiness zones 10 & 11. Tasmania Herbarium.

Countries/locations it is found in

Africa, Australia (country/location of origin), Chile, East Africa, North America, South Africa, South America, Tasmania (country/location of origin), USA, Zimbabwe

How it is used for food

The leaves are baked and eaten. The fruit are also eaten.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

It can be grown easily using broken pieces. It can also be grown by seed.

Its other names

Local names

Doca, Frutilla del mar, Pigface, Sea fig

Synonyms

Carpobrotus disparalis N. E. Br.; Mesembryanthemum aequilaterum Haw.;