Carpobrotus deliciosus (L.Bolus) L.Bolus

Perennial, prostrate, mat-forming shrublet with branches up to 1.5 m long, radiating from central rootstock and rooting at nodes. Leaves green to glaucous, almost straight or subacinaciform, apex incurved smooth, borne upright, keel and margins smooth to cartilaginous sometimes tinged red. Flowers solitary, purple, pink or white, up to 80 mm in diam.; pedicels up to 120 mm long, receptacle globose not tapering into pedicel; stigmas shorter than stamens. Flowering time June-Jan. Fruit a fleshy, indehiscent berry.

It is a Mediterranean climate plant. It is native to South Africa. It grows along the coast. It needs moderate moisture when hot and can be dry in cool weather. It suits gritty, well drained soil. It can grow on sand. It needs full sun. It can grow in arid places. It suits hardiness zones 8-11.

The fruit are eaten. They can be eaten fresh or used for fruit salad. They can be dried and eaten like candy or made into jams and preserves. They are also used to flavour milk.

Plants seed easily. They can be grown from seed.