trefle.io · Taken Jan 11, 2020 by Hormaechea Inés (cc-by-sa)
Aizoaceae
Hottentot fig
Carpobrotus edulis
Also known as highway ice plant, pigface, ice plant, Mesembryanthemum edule
Native Plants · Succulent · Groundcover · Drought Tolerant · Coastal · Erosion Control · Invasive · Edible Fruit · Ice Plant · Mediterranean · Xeriscape
Hottentot fig is an extremely drought-tolerant, sun-loving succulent groundcover that spreads vigorously and is ideal for coastal slopes, banks, or erosion control in warm, dry climates. Plant in full sun with sandy, very well-drained soil and water only occasionally once established. Be aware that it is highly invasive outside its native South Africa and is banned in several countries and US states, so check local regulations before planting.
Growing conditions
The details behind the basics
- Daily light
- 8 hours
- Watering
- Water sparingly; allow soil to dry out completely between waterings · Every 14-21 days
- Maintenance
- Low
- Soil
- loam
- Soil pH
- 7–7.5
- Temperature
- 0°F to 90°F
- Cycle
- Perennial
- Propagation
- Seed, Cutting
Hardiness
USDA 5a-9b
Form & growth
Mature size and habit
- Mature height
- 2 ft – 5 ft
- Spread
- 3 ft
- Spacing
- 36 in apart
- Growth rate
- Moderate
- Root depth
- Medium
- Flowers
- No
- Foliage
- Medium
Ecology & origin
Where it belongs and what it brings
- Native to
- Albania, Algeria, Argentina Northeast, Azores, Baleares, Bolivia, Brazil South, California, Canary Is., Cape Provinces, Cape Verde, Chile Central, Corse, Cyprus, East Aegean Is., Florida, France, Great Britain, Greece, Ireland
- Attracts
- Bees, Butterflies
Sources: trefle, usda
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