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Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Scientific Name: Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Family: Aizoaceae

Category: Dicot

Growth:

Duration:

Other Names:

       

Carpobrotus acinaciformis: A Succulent Groundcover

Carpobrotus acinaciformis, belonging to the Aizoaceae family, is a succulent perennial known by several common names, including Elands Sfig, Elandssuurvy, Sally-my-handsome, Hottentot Fig, and Giant Pigface.

Considerations for Pets

  • This plant is a mat-forming succulent perennial with trailing stems.

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

  • Scientific Name: Carpobrotus acinaciformis (L.) L. Bolus
  • Family: Aizoaceae (also referred to as Mesembryanthemaceae in some sources)
  • Synonym: Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme L.
  • Other Common Names: Elands Sfig, Elandssuurvy, Sally-my-handsome, Hottentot Fig, Giant Pigface, Elandsvy, Goena, Goenavy, Gouna, Gounavy, Hotnotsvy, Suurvy, Perdevy (Afr), ghaukum (Khoi)
  • Taxonomic Rank: Species
  • Symbol: CAAC18
  • Complete Name: Carpobrotus acinaciformis
  • Kingdom: Magnoliophyta
  • Class: Rosopsida
  • Order: Caryophyllales

Distribution and Habitat

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is native to South Africa. It has naturalized in various regions, particularly on sea cliffs. It has also been observed in Crete, Israel, and Sardinia, Italy.

Ecological Role

  • This plant is known to be fast-growing and mat-forming.
  • Efforts have been made to remove it from environmentally sensitive areas, indicating its potential to be invasive in certain contexts.

Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits

  • Carpobrotus acinaciformis is an evergreen perennial growing to approximately 0.1 meters (4 inches) in height and 1 meter (3 feet 3 inches) in width.
  • It has flat-growing, trailing stems and is a mat-forming plant.
  • The flowers are large, showy, and typically pink or purple to magenta.
  • Leaves can be 15-25 mm in diameter and up to 90 mm long.

Other Information

  • It is hardy to zone (UK) 9 and frost tender.
  • The flowers contain betanin, isobetanin, betanidin, isobetanidin, lampranthin-II, and isolampranthin-II.

Resources and Further Information

  • EOL (Encyclopedia of Life)
  • RHS (Royal Horticultural Society)
  • Baseflor
  • Wikimedia Commons
  • ResearchGate
  • Tropicos