Carpobrotus acinaformis
La griffe de sorcière
Red Hottentot Fig
Additional information
| Plant family | |
|---|---|
| Area | Littoral |
| Flower colour | pink |
| Flower size | 110-120 mm |
| Flowering months | February, March, April, May, June, July |
| Leaf type | Succulent |
| Height | to 15 cm |
Description
Introduced in the 19th century from the Cape Province of South Africa for erosion control. It has become invasive, so much so, that there is a program in place to eradicate the plant. The creeping fleshy stem, woody at the base, can reach a length of 3 m.
Flowers
Each ray floret of the Carpobrotus acinaformis is a true flower. Although it resembles the Asteraceae family it does not belong to it.
Leaves
Succulent fleshy, water-retaining leaves. Fleshy, triangular and positioned opposite each other.
Fruits Seeds
Syconium: an enlarged, fleshy, hollow receptacle, somewhat resembling a fig, hence the English name.
Edible
Fruit: when ripe (yellow), has a sour, astringent, salty flavour.
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