Common Name: Sweet Hottentot Fig

General Information

Carpobrotus deliciosus 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 and Riversdale districts

Habitat

Grows on sand dunes and in rocky grassland[].

Properties

Edibility Rating
Other Uses Rating
Habit	Evergreen Perennial
Height	0.20 m
Pollinators	Insects
Cultivation Status	Cultivated, Ornamental, Wild

Cultivation Details

Carpobrotus deliciosus is native to the warm temperate zone of S. Africa, growing best in a Mediterranean climate. It can also succeed in the drier parts of the tropics and subtropic. The plant is not very cold-hardy, able to tolerate short periods with temperatures down to about -5°c[].
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[].
A vigorous prostrate plant, rooting as it spreads. The flowers only open in the afternoon[].

Edible Uses

Fruit - raw or used as a garnish for fruit salads[, ]. The fruit can also be dried and eaten like candy or made into jams and preserves[]. There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent[].

Medicinal

None known

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

None known

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[].