Common Name: Hottentot Fig

General Information

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is a low-growing, evergreen, succulent perennial plant, forming a dense mat of growth that completely covers the soil.
The plant is sometimes harvested from the wild for its edible fruit and it is also cultivated both as an ornamental and for its ability to stabilize sandy soils.

Known Hazards

None known

Botanical References

Range

S. Africa - Cape Province. Naturalized in Britain[]

Habitat

Sandy and rocky places near the sea[]. Naturalized on cliffs and banks by the sea in Cornwall and S. Devon[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.10 m
Pollinators	Bees
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Carpobrotus acinaciformis succeeds in the drier parts of the tropics and subtropics, and also in the warmer parts of the temperate zone. They are not very cold tolerant resistant and can be killed by prolonged temperatures below about -2°c. They have naturalized themselves on cliffs along the coast of S. Britain but do not succeed inland unless grown in a sunny sheltered position[].
Requires a well-drained sandy soil in a sunny position[, ]. Plants can be grown on dry walls or in the flower border[]. Established plants are very drought resistant[]. Very resistant to wind and salt spray[]. Moderately fire-retardant[].
The fruits are sometimes sold in local markets in S. Africa, being popular for making jams and curry dishes[].
A vigorous prostrate plant, rooting as it spreads. The flowers only open in the afternoon[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw[, , ]. The fruits are popular in S. Africa for making jams and curry dishes[]. There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent[]. About the size of a gooseberry, it is of inferior quality and insipid[, , ].

Leaves - raw or cooked[, ]. Very mucilaginous, we find it very hard to enjoy them[].

Medicinal

The leaves are highly astringent, mildly antiseptic, diuretic, styptic[]. Tannins are probably responsible for many of the beneficial properties.
The leaf juice is taken orally to treat dysentery, diarrhoea and other digestive problems; tuberculosis[].
The leaf juice is gargled to treat infections of the mouth and throat, and is applied topically to treat wounds, burns, eczema, toothache, earache, oral and vaginal thrush[].
The leaf pulp is applied as a poultice on wounds and infections[].

Agroforestry Uses:

Species in this genus have a vigorous, prostrate growth habit, producing a dense carpet of foliage and making a very effective ground cover. They can be planted in maritime areas, especially in Mediterranean climates, in order to prevent soil erosion in sandy soils, dunes and on banks[, ].
The plant has very fleshy leaves and is moderately fire-resistant. It can be used in barrier plantings to prevent the spread of forest fires[].

Other Uses

Planted in maritime areas to prevent soil erosion in sandy soils and on steep banks[]. Plants form a dense carpet and make an effective ground cover[].
The plant is moderately fire-resistant and can be used in barrier plantings to prevent the spread of forest fires[].

Propagation

Seed - surface sow early spring to early summer in a greenhouse. Lower night-time temperatures are beneficial. The seed usually germinates in 7 - 10 days at 23°c[]. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings at any time during the growing season. Allow the cutting to dry in the sun for a day or two then pot up in a very sandy mix. Very easy[].