Carpobrotus deliciosus aka Delicious Sourfig

Carpobrotus deliciosus is a low, evergreen succulent from South Africa. It belongs to the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. Its native range includes the southern Cape and Riversdale districts. Wild plants grow on dunes and in rocky grassland. The common name is sweet Hottentot fig. People grow it for ground cover and its edible fruit. They also gather fruit from wild plants.

The plant forms a dense mat that covers the soil. It reaches about 0.7 feet (0.2 metres) in height. Its spread reaches about 3.3 feet (1 metre). Stems lie along the ground and root as they spread. This strong growth helps the plant bind loose sand. It keeps its leaves throughout the year. The flowers open during the afternoon rather than the morning. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects pollinate the blooms.

Choose a sunny site with sandy soil that drains well. Sources also list loam and clay as suitable soil types. The plant accepts mildly acid, neutral, and mildly alkaline soils. It can also grow where soil contains salt. Established plants withstand drought, strong winds, and salt spray. These traits suit exposed seaside sites with mild winters. It grows best where summers are dry and winters mild. Cold tolerance reports differ between the sources. One reports damage below about 28°F (-2°C). Another reports brief survival near 23°F (-5°C). Both describe a plant with limited frost tolerance.

Gardeners can grow it on dry walls or in borders. Sunny banks offer another use for its spreading growth. Its roots and ground cover help reduce soil loss. Sources also describe it as having some resistance to burning. They list plantings as barriers that may slow fire spread. Seed and cuttings provide ways to raise more plants. Sow seed on the surface under glass from March through June. Keep young seedlings under glass through their first winter. Take cuttings during the growing season. Let cut ends dry before planting in a sandy mix.

Eat the fruit only when it has ripened fully. Unripe fruit has a strong, mouth-drying taste. The ripe fruit contains little flesh but can be eaten raw. It can garnish fruit salads or be dried as sweets. It also serves as an ingredient for jams and preserves. The sources report no known hazards or medicinal uses.