Carpobrotus aequilaterus aka Angled Pigface

Carpobrotus aequilaterus, or sea fig, belongs to the Aizoaceae family. It comes from central and south-central Chile, in a subtropical range. Kew classes it as a succulent subshrub. It is also an evergreen perennial that keeps its leaves year-round. It has become naturalised along parts of the California coast. There, it grows on coastal strands and in coastal sage scrub. These sites lie up to about 328 feet [100 metres] above sea level.

This low plant reaches about 0.7 feet [0.2 metres] tall. Its spread can reach 6.6 feet [2 metres] in cultivation. Its stems trail across the ground and root as they spread. This strong, spreading growth forms cover rather than an upright bush. The flowers open during the afternoon. Each flower has both male and female organs. Bees pollinate them. The supplied sources give no flowering season or flower colour.

Grow sea fig in full sun, with good soil drainage. It does not grow in shade. Sandy soil suits it best, though it also accepts loam. It can grow in poor soil and tolerate salt in the ground. Its pH range spans mildly acid through mildly alkaline conditions. Soil may be dry or moist, provided water drains well. Once established, plants withstand drought, wind, and salt spray. These traits suit exposed seaside sites, dry walls, and flower borders.

Cold limits where this plant can stay outdoors year-round. PFAF lists USDA zones 7–10 but also calls it frost tender. Its cultivation notes give a cold limit of about −5 to −10°C. In Britain, those notes restrict outdoor growing to milder areas. Gardeners use its spreading cover to hold loose coastal sand. It also helps limit soil loss on steep banks. PFAF describes moderate fire resistance and records use in fire-barrier plantings. This does not mean the plant cannot burn.

The fruit can be eaten raw, with a faint strawberry-like taste. The leaves can be baked, though their slimy texture may limit appeal. PFAF gives its food value two out of five. It records no known hazards and no known medicinal uses. Those records do not establish safety for every person or pet. Cuttings root with ease during the growing season. Let cut ends dry before placing them in a sandy mix. Seed-grown plants need greenhouse shelter through their first winter.