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Carpobrotus edulis (Iceplant, Hottentot fig, Kaffir fig)

Carpobrotus edulis Photo/Illustration: Barry Rice/Courtesy of The Nature Conservancy



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Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11
Botanical Name: Carpobrotus edulis kar-poe-BRO-tus ED-ew-lis Common Name: Iceplant, Hottentot fig, Kaffir fig Genus: Carpobrotus
This ground-hugging succulent perennial roots at the nodes, has a creeping habit, and often forms deep mats covering large areas. It produces abundant yellow daisy-like flowers that open at noon and turn pink later in the day.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Produces edible fig-like fruit. Used for dune stabilization in California, but  now becoming an invasive problem.
 Care: In the garden, plant in full sun and poor, very well-drained, sandy, humusy soil. Indoors, grow in full light. Water very little in winter.
 Propagation: Root stem cuttings in spring or summer.
 Problems: Mealybugs.
Height Less than 6 in.
Spread Over 30 ft.
Growth Habit Runs
Growth Pace Invasive/Aggressive Grower;Moderate Grower
Light Full Sun Only
Moisture Dry to Medium
Tolerance Drought Tolerant
Characteristics Showy Flowers
Bloom Time Early Fall; Early Summer; Fall; Late Spring; Late Summer; Spring; Summer
Foliage Color Evergreen
Flower Color Yellow Flower
Uses Ground Covers, Roadside
Style Desert Garden
Seasonal Interest Summer Interest, Fall Interest
Type Perennials

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