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Genus Carpobrotus

kar-poe-BRO-tus
These succulent perennials are grown for their fleshy leaves, pretty flowers, and pear-shaped fruit. The flowers have so many petals, they appear fringed. There are about 20 or 25 species hailing from dry areas of Chile, Mexico, South Africa, and Australia. Grow them in sandy soil as a groundcover, on a bank, or in a desert or coastal garden. They can be grown indoors where not hardy.
 Noteworthy characteristics: Succulent foliage, creeping growth habit, daisy-like flowers, fleshy fruit. The genus name means "edible fruit."
 Care: Needs very well-drained, sandy, humusy soil of poor fertility and full sun. Indoors, provide full light and ample water during the growing season.
 Propagation: Start seeds indoors at 59°F in early spring, or take stem cuttings in spring or summer.
 Problems: Mealybugs.

Species, varieties and cultivars for genus Carpobrotus

Carpobrotus edulis Carpobrotus edulis
(Iceplant, Hottentot fig, Kaffir fig) Be the first to rate this plant
Hardiness Zones: 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

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.