Carpobrotus edulis – Hottontot Fig
Other common name: Ice plant and in South Africa as the sour fig, on account of its edible fruit.
Family: Aizoaceae
Genus: Carpobrotus, another species that’s very popular as an ornamental garden plant. This one is quite easy to distinguish with its 3-angled succulent leaves and large yellow flowers that fade to pink.
Details: It mainly forms dense, impenetrable mats that carpet warm, sunny coastal cliffs to the exclusion of all other species. It outcompetes native species and a single plant can dominate an area up to 50m across. Eradication from steep coastal cliffs is very difficult and can be followed by erosion if not carried out carefully.
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