Carpobrotus acinaciformis
Image: Peter A. Mansfeld
Description
A very useful ground-hugging succulent with sabre-like leaves and a bright purple flower that is a great ground cover and supports many insect species.It is cultivated as a succulent lawn-like ground cover and for its edible fruit that can be made into a jam.
Different Carpobrotus species may have been used interchangeably for medicinal purposes in the past. Fresh leaf juice and prepared fruit are used as a mouthwash, gargle, lotion and antiseptic wash. A preparation of the leaves was eaten to treat pulmonary infections. Leaf juice is applied to sores or burns and to stop bleeding. A juice from the leaves was used to treat dysentery. Preparations of both leaf and fruit are used for heat conditions.
Propagation instructions - cuttings
Cuttings are easiest and can take without pre-rooting most of the year. Cut a 15cm section and remove the bottom pairs of leaves and insert into the ground.
Sources and references
Scientific name
Carpobrotus acinaciformis
Common name(s)
Elands sour fig
Features
- Drought-resistant
- Easy to grow
- Edible
- It provides medicinal value
- Pioneer species
- This will attract honey bees
- Will attract monkey beetles