Pigface, Coastal Noonflower, Angular pigface, Iceplant
Carpobrotus glaucescens

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A spreading succulent plant. It keeps growing from year to year and creeps over the ground. The stems are reddish brown. The leaves are opposite and 3 sided. They are fleshy. The leaves can be curved inwards. They are 3.5-10 cm long by 1-1.5 cm wide. The flowers are daisy like. The petals are light purple becoming white towards the centre. They are 4-6 cm across. The fruit is fleshy and oblong. It is purple or red and 2-3 cm long by 1.5-2.5 cm wide.

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

Where it is found

It grows in tropical and subtropical places. It grows in coastal areas of Queensland on sand dunes. It can withstand dry periods. It can tolerate salt spray. It grows on coastal cliffs.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin), Norfolk Island

How it is used for food

The leaves and pulp of the ripe fruit are edible. They have a salty taste.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves, flowers

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed, cuttings or division of the stem.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Carpobrotus abbreviatus (Haw.) Schwantes; Mesembryanthemum glaucescens Haw;