Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus chilensis)

Hottentot Fig
Scientific Name: Carpobrotus chilensis (Molina) N.E. Br.
Synonym: Carpobrotus aequilateralus, Mesembryanthemum chilensis, Mesembryanthemum aequilaterale
Family: Aizoaceae

Show Larger Picture Recommended Temperature Zone:
sunset: 10,12-24
USDA: 9b-11

Heat Tolerance: Needs afternoon shade and regular water
Sun Exposure: Full sun
Origin: South Africa
Growth Habits: Succulent perennial ground cover
Watering Needs: Little water once established
Propagation: Cuttings, seeds

This plant is established on the Pacific coast of the Americas, but it is a foreign invader. Contrarily to what the name chilensis seems to indicate : chilensis comes from the Latine for "from Chile", it is actually native to South Africa.
As for its cousin Carpobrotus edulis, leaves and fruit are edible.

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