Carpobrotus acinaciformis Seeds - Indigenous Succulent Mesemb - Global Shipping - NEW

Carpobrotus commonly known as Hottentot Fig, Sour Fig, Horse Fig, Creeping Fig, Pigface or Ice plants is a genus of ground-creeping mesembs, with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The genus name refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Greek "karpos" (fruit) and "brota" (edible). The Carpobrotus genus is placed in the Aizoaceae family. There are about 25 species in this genus, having a disperse distribution worldwide. They are mostly South African, with about 19 species being indigenous to South Africa, but there is also one species in South America and four in Australia, you find a species in Sardinia too. Carpobrotus glaucescens, is noted for having salty fruit, a rare property in fruits. Carpobrotus species are often used for ground cover due to its fast growth, ground hugging characteristics, and resistance to fire. Carpobrotus are also drought resistant.

       
Carpobrotus species are also used medicinally. Carpobrotus juice, from the leaves, can be used as a mild astringent. When mixed with water the juice can be used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and stomach cramps. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throat and laryngitis, and mild bacterial infections of the mouth. The leaf juice can also be used externally, much like Aloe vera for burns, abrasions, open cuts, grazes, mosquito bites and sunburn. It is also used to treat ringworm, eczema, dermatitis, herpes, thrush, cold sores, cracked lips, chafing, skin conditions and allergies. An ancient remedy for constipation is to eat the fruit with brackish water. Syrup made from the fruit is said to have laxative properties. A mixture of leaf juice, honey and olive oil in water is an old remedy for TB. Suurvy Jam is also made from the fruit of this genus. Seed can be sown in spring, early summer or autumn. Carpobrotus species are well suited to water-wise gardens.

Carpobrotus acinaciformis commonly known as Hottentot Fig is a robust and fast growing creeping, mat-forming succulent that grows year round, with individual shoot segments growing more than 1 m per year. Flowering occurs almost year round but mainly in spring and summer. It is an easy-to-grow groundcover, ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens. Its leaves are edible, as are its fruit, as with some other members of the Aizoaceae family. In South Africa the Sour Fig's ripe fruit are gathered and either eaten fresh or made into a very tart jam. The fruits are tasty and can be eaten fresh.