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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.
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 deliciosus commonly known as Sweet Hottentot Fig is found growing naturally in the Cape Province and Riversdale districts. The fruit is somewhat sweeter than that of Carpobrotus edulis, and is edible fresh, and used in jams, chutneys and preserves. Carpobrotus deliciosus is an evergreen perennial that grows to 20cm in height and spreads to about 1 meter in diameter. It grows well in any type of soil including heavy clay soils and even saline soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers moist soil. |