Carpobrotus

''Carpobrotus'', commonly known as pigface, ice plant, sour fig, Hottentot fig, and clawberry is a genus of ground-creeping plants with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The name comes from the Ancient Greek ' "fruit" and ' "edible", referring to its edible fruits.

The genus includes some 12 to 20 accepted species. Most are endemic to South Africa, but there are at least four Australian species and one South American.

Distribution and habitat

''Carpobrotus'' mainly occurs in the sandy coastal habitats of mild Mediterranean climates, and can be also found inland in sandy to marshy places. In general, members of this genus prefer open sandy spaces where their wiry, long roots with shorter side branches form dense underground network. The root networks typically extend much further than the above-ground prostrate branches. Plants thrive well in gardens, but readily escape to other suitable locations, resulting in some members of the genus being considered an invasive species. They can form wide-area ground cover over a sandy soil, which suppresses indigenous sand dune vegetation when introduced to a non-native area.

''Carpobrotus'' is native to South Africa, the south coast of Australia and coastal Chile. As an introduced species, it has become widespread in similar habitats in the Northern Hemisphere: the Pacific coast of the United States, New Zealand and the Mediterranean and Atlantic coasts of Europe.

Ecology

The fruit of various species of ''Carpobrotus'' is eaten by many animals and birds, which also spread its seed.

Various ''Carpobrotus'' species are invasive introduced species in suitable climates throughout the world. The harm they do is variable, and sometimes hotly debated, when balanced against their value as firebreaks and as food for wildlife. Seeds are spread by mammals such as deer, rabbits, and rodents eating mature fruit.

Uses

'' Carpobrotus acinaciformis'' and ''Carpobrotus edulis'' are often used for groundcover due to their rapid growth, dense habit, and resistance to fire. ''Carpobrotus'' are also drought tolerant.

'' C. glaucescens'' is noted for its salty fruit, a rare property in fruits.

''Carpobrotus'' leaf juice can be used as a mild astringent. Applied to the skin, it is a popular emergency treatment for jellyfish and similar stings. When mixed with water it can be used to treat diarrhea and stomach cramps. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throat, laryngitis, and mild bacterial infections of the mouth,Uses & Cultural Aspects
/ref> and can be used externally, much like aloe vera, to treat wounds, mosquito bites, sunburn, and skin conditions. It was a remedy for tuberculosis mixed with honey and olive oil. The fruit has been used as a laxative.Watt, John Mitchell; Breyer-Brandwijk, Maria Gerdina: The Medicinal and Poisonous Plants of Southern and Eastern Africa 2nd ed Pub. E & S Livingstone 1962

Species

''Carpobrotus'' includes the following species:
*'' Carpobrotus acinaciformis'' (L.) L.Bolus
*'' Carpobrotus aequilaterus'' (Haw.) N.E.Br.
*'' Carpobrotus chilensis'' (Molina) N.E.Br.
*'' Carpobrotus deliciosus'' (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
*'' Carpobrotus dimidiatus'' (Haw.) L.Bolus
*''Carpobrotus edulis'' (L.) N.E.Br.
*'' Carpobrotus glaucescens'' (Haw.) Schwantes
*'' Carpobrotus mellei'' (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
*'' Carpobrotus modestus'' S.T.Blake
*'' Carpobrotus muirii'' (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
*'' Carpobrotus quadrifidus'' L.Bolus
*'' Carpobrotus rossii'' (Haw.) Schwantes
*'' Carpobrotus virescens'' (Haw.) Schwantes

Image:Carpobrotus acinaciformis-P1020551.jpg, '' Carpobrotus acinaciformis''
Image:CarpobrotusAequilaterus.jpg, '' Carpobrotus aequilaterus''
Image:Carpobrotus glaucescens 01.jpg, '' Carpobrotus glaucescens''
File:Carpobrotus sauerne.JPG, '' Carpobrotus quadrifidus''

References

External links

NSW Flora online - ''Carpobrotus''

PlantZAfrica.com - ''Carpobrotus edulis''

{{Authority control

Aizoaceae genera
Taxa named by N. E. Brown