Carpobrotus acinaciformis aka Eland's Sour Fig

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is an evergreen succulent in the Aizoaceae family. Its common names include sour fig and Sally-my-handsome. It comes from South Africa's southwestern Cape region. There it grows on sand and rock near the sea. It has spread beyond gardens in Australia, California, and the Mediterranean. In mild coastal regions, it can crowd out native plants.

This low perennial forms a thick mat across the ground. It reaches about 0.3 feet [0.1 m] in height. Its trailing stems reach 6.6 feet [2 m] or more. They root at nodes, while their tips curve upward. Shoots can extend more than 3.3 feet [1 m] yearly. Thick leaves grow in pairs along the stems. Each leaf has three sharp angles and a curved, blade-like shape. Leaves range from yellow-green to green, sometimes with red edges. Older leaves may turn red or yellow.

Large, daisy-like flowers grow singly on short stalks. They measure about 0.3–0.5 feet [0.10–0.15 m] across. Their colours range from pink-purple to deep magenta. Each flower has both male and female parts. Hundreds of stamens surround a star-shaped stigma, and bees pollinate them. Bloom peaks from May to July, in spring and summer. Some climates support flowers through much of the year. The fleshy fruit turns yellow and gains a scent when ripe. Its skin grows wrinkled and leathery with age. Each fruit holds hundreds of seeds in sweet, sticky pulp. Seeds ripen from August to September.

Grow this plant in full sun and well-drained sandy soil. It suits dry tropical, subtropical, and warm temperate sites. Established plants withstand drought, wind, and salt spray. Cold tolerance is limited; temperatures below about 28°F [-2°C] may kill plants. PFAF lists USDA zones 8–11, despite this reported frost limit. Gardens use it as ground cover, on dry walls, and in borders. Its roots help hold sand and steep banks in place. It also has some resistance to fire. Its rapid spread is a major drawback in coastal landscapes. Both seeds and broken stems can establish new plants.

People eat the ripe fruit raw or use it in jams and curries. The fruit has little flesh and can taste bland. Unripe fruit has a harsh, mouth-drying taste. Leaves are edible raw or cooked, but have a slimy texture. PFAF reports no known medicinal uses or hazards. That report does not establish safety for pets.