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carpobrotus
Scientific Name: Carpobrotus
Family: Aizoaceae
Category: Dicot
Growth:
Duration:
Other Names:
Carpobrotus: Pigface, Ice Plant, and More
Carpobrotus is a genus of ground-creeping, succulent plants known for their daisy-like flowers. Several species within this genus are notable for their adaptability and widespread distribution.
Considerations for Pets
- The plants are ground-creeping and form dense mats, potentially tempting to explore.
- They are also used in first aid, being edible, so could be attractive for consumption.
- The plants root at the nodes, so there is no indication of if it is safe for animals to consume or come into contact with.
Considerations for Children
- The plants are ground-creeping and form dense mats, potentially tempting to explore.
- They are also used in first aid, being edible, so could be attractive for consumption.
- The plants root at the nodes, so there is no indication of if it is safe for animals to consume or come into contact with.
Nomenclature and Taxonomy
- Scientific Name: Carpobrotus
- Common Names: Pigface, Ice Plant, Hottentot Plant, Highway Ice Plant, Sea Fig, Angular Pigface
- Family: Aizoaceae
- Order: Caryophyllales
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Synonyms:
- Mesembryanthemum edule (for Carpobrotus edulis)
Distribution and Habitat
- Native to South Africa.
- Widespread in coastal areas of southern Australia.
- Naturalized in coastal habitats in Europe, including Devon and Cornwall, Portugal, and the Riviera.
- Found on cliffs, rocks, walls, and roadside verges by the sea.
Ecological Role
- Carpobrotus edulis is considered a significant environmental weed in Victoria, South Australia, and Western Australia.
- It can form impenetrable mats, competing aggressively with native species.
- It is an invasive species primarily in coastal habitats in many parts of the world and can alter soil conditions.
Morphological Characteristics and Growth Habits
- Ground-creeping, succulent perennials.
- Long stems that root at the nodes.
- Triangular, fleshy leaves, occasionally tinged with red.
- Large, daisy-like flowers.
- Mat-forming habit, often forming deep mats covering large areas.
- Carpobrotus edulis grows to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) in height and 1 m (3ft 3in) in spread.
Quirky Facts
- The genus name Carpobrotus comes from the Greek words "karpos" (fruit) and "brotus" (edible), because the fruits of some species are edible.
- In South Africa, Carpobrotus edulis is known as "s fig" (suurvy).
Traditional Uses
- Carpobrotus edulis is used as a first-aid plant, with edible fruits.
- In Xhosa language, Carpobrotus edulis is known as "igcukuma" and is used medicinally by traditional healers.