Carpobrotus (commonly known as Pigface or Ice plants) is a genus of ground-creeping plants, with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The name refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Greek "karpos" (fruit) and "brota" (edible).

There are about 25 species in this genus, having a disperse distribution worldwide. They are mostly South African, but there is also one species in South America and four in Australia (NSW Flora Online), you find a species in Sardinia too. Various Carpobrotus sp. are invasive introduced species in suitable climates throughout the world. Common names include ice plant, Hottentot Plant and Pigface. One of the subdivisions of Carpobrotus, C. glaucescens, is noted for having salty fruit, a rare property in fruits.^[1]

Ground Cover

Carpobrotus acinaciformis, also referred to in the United States as the Icicle Plant, Strand Ivy, Cape Fig, Hottentots Fig, and Sour Fig, is often used for ground cover due to its fast growth, ground hugging characteristics, and resistance to fire^[2]. Carpobrotus are also drought resistant.

Medicinal Properties

Carpobrotus juice (from leaves) can be used as a mild astringent. When mixed with water the juice can be used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and stomach cramps. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throat and laryngitis, and mild bacterial infections of the mouth ^[3] The leaf juice can also be used externally, much like Aloe Vera for burns, abrasions, open cuts, grazes, mosquito bites and sunburn. It is also used to treat ringworm, eczema, dermatitis, herpes, thrush, cold sores, cracked lips, chafing, skin conditions and allergies.

An ancient remedy for constipation is to eat the fruit with brackish water. Syrup made from the fruit is said to have laxative properties. A mixture of leaf juice, honey and olive oil in water is an old remedy for TB.

Gallery

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  Leaves with triangular cross-sections

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  Carpobrotus glaucescens

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  Carpobrotus acinaciformis (L.) L. Bolus

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  Carpobrotus aequilaterus (Yallingup, Western Australia)

References