Western pigface, Stout pigface, Bain, Coastal pigface
Carpobrotus virescens

Family: Aizoaceae

What it is like

A herb. It is succulent and crawls over the ground. The branches can be 2 m long. The leaves are green or red. They are in opposite pairs and have 3 sides. The leaves are fleshy and up to 6.5 cm long. The flowers are attractive pink. They are 4-6 cm across. They have a white centre. When the petals drop off the fruiting base of the flower swells up. This turns purplish-red. The centre is juicy. It contains seeds in a white pulp.

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

Where it is found

Temperate. They grow in a coastal or salty environment. It can grow on beaches and sand dunes. It is best in light to medium well-drained soils in an open sunny position. It is resistant to drought and frost.

Countries/locations it is found in

Australia (country/location of origin)

How it is used for food

The sweet succulent fruit are eaten fresh or dried.

Edible parts

Fruit, leaves

How it is grown

Plants can be grown from seed, cuttings or division of the stems which have rooted.

Its other names

Local names

Synonyms

Mesembryanthemum abbreviatum Haw.; Mesembryanthemum edule var. virescens (Haw.) Moss; Mesembryanthemum virescens Haw.;