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Carpobrotus edulis
| Family Name: | Aizoaceae |
| Synonyms: | Mesembryanthemum edule |
| Common Name: | Ice Plant, Hottentot Fig, Pigface |
Name
Classifications and Characteristics
| Plant Division | Angiosperms (Flowering Seed Plants) (Dicotyledon) |
|---|---|
| Plant Growth Form | Herbaceous Plant, Creeper |
| Mode of Nutrition | Autotrophic |
| Plant Shape | Dwarf |
Biogeography
| Native Distribution | South America |
|---|---|
| Native Habitat | Terrestrial (Coastal Forest), Shoreline |
| Preferred Climate Zone | Sub-Tropical / Monsoonal |
Description and Ethnobotany
| Growth Form | Perennial herb with a trailing growth habit that forms dense mats. |
|---|---|
| Foliage | Thick, fleshy leaves are triangular in cross section. |
| Stems | The stems lie parallel to the ground with the tip curving upwards and becoming vertical. |
| Flowers | Solitary flowers (10-15 cm wide) are initially yellow and then turn light pink. Each flower contains 1 stigma with a star-shaped tip (female part) and numerous stamens (male, pollen-producing part). |
| Fruit | Yellow, fleshy fruits are edible, but have a rather unpleasant taste which is bitter, salty and sour. The fruit is shaped like a wine glass or inverted bell. |
| Cultivation | In Singapore, this species requires air-conditioning to survive. |
Landscaping Features
| Landscape Uses | Coastal, Interiorscape/ Indoor Plant, Hanging Basket |
|---|---|
| Thematic Landscaping | Rockery / Desert Garden |
Plant Care and Propagation
| Light Preference | Full Sun |
|---|---|
| Water Preference | Moderate Water, Little Water |
| Planting Remarks | In Singapore, this species requires air conditioning to survive. |
| Propagation Method | Stem Cutting |
Foliar
| Foliage Retention | Evergreen |
|---|---|
| Mature Foliage Colour(s) | Green |
| Mature Foliage Texture(s) | Smooth, Glossy / Shiny, Thick |
| Foliar Type | Simple / Unifoliate |
| Foliar Arrangement Along Stem | Spiral |
| Foliar Shape(s) | Non-Palm Foliage (Linear) |
| Leaf Area Index (LAI) for Green Plot Ratio | 4.5 (Shrub & Groundcover - Dicot) |
Non - Foliar and Storage
| Stem Type & Modification | Herbaceous, Runner / Stolon |
|---|---|
| Root Type | Underground (Fibrous Root) |
| Specialised Storage Organ(s) | Aboveground |
Floral (Angiosperm)
| Flower & Plant Sexuality | Bisexual Flowers |
| Flower Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Flower Transitional Changes | Colour |
| Flowering Habit | Polycarpic |
Fruit, Seed and Spore
| Mature Fruit Colour(s) | Yellow / Golden |
|---|---|
| Mature Fruit Texture(s) | Leathery, Wrinkled, [Remarks] (Fruits become leathery and wrinkled when fully ripened.) |
| Fruit Classification | Simple Fruit |
| Fruit Type |
Image Repository
Others
| Master ID | 491 |
|---|---|
| Species ID | 1787 |
| Flora Disclaimer | The information in this website has been compiled from reliable sources, such as reference works on medicinal plants. It is not a substitute for medical advice or treatment and NParks does not purport to provide any medical advice. Readers should always consult his/her physician before using or consuming a plant for medicinal purposes. |