Carpobrotus is a species of succulent plant known by the common name sea fig. It is a species that is used as an ornamental plant, and it is also edible. However, along with its even more troublesome cousin, it has invaded section of the California coast at the expense of native vegetation, and subject to control efforts.
Range
Usually found in warm temperate and subtropical areas, it is probably native to southern Africa. It is familiar elsewhere, particularly the coastline of western North America, where it is an introduced invasive species that has taken hold and become commonplace. It is also found, and naturalised, in Argentina, Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Australia, Spain and New Zealand. Grown in sunny conditions, it is normally found within coastal dunes and bluffs, margins of estuaries, along roadsides; at elevations from sea level to 100 metres along the southern Pacific Coast of North America.
Description
Carpobrotus chilensis sends out prostrate stems that are 2 metres or more long that root at the nodes and can carpet the ground, with fleshy, pointed leaves which are triangular in cross-section. It is similar to, and often mistaken for, its close relative "ice plant", which is larger, grows alongside and sometimes hybridizes with it. For comparison, the larger, diameter flowers of C. edulis are yellow or light pink, whereas the diameter C. chilensis flowers are deep magenta and are smaller than those of ice plant.. Growing well in poor sandy soil, this species is hardy and can withstand disturbance by humans, which is common on the well-travelled beaches where it grows. This trait gives it an advantage over many native plant species, causing it to become a threat to native coastal ecosystems where it has invaded. The flowers open in the morning and close at night, and its can bloom and fruit all year round.
Propagation
The plant can easily be propagated by cuttings, which can be planted immediately in the soil or instantly in the garden and will root without the need of rooting hormone or mist.
Uses
The plant has a pleasant flavour, although it can be laxative if eaten in high quantity, especially its fruit. The plant can be consumed raw or cooked, or dried for future use or made into pickles and chutney. There is only a tiny amount of flesh in the fruit, and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very sour. The leaves can be used in salads and can also be used as a replacement for pickled cucumber.
