Carpobrotus edulis aka Freeway Iceplant

Taxonomy

Carpobrotus edulis, also known as hottentot-fig, sour fig, ice plant, or highway ice plant, is a ground-creeping plant native to South Africa. This evergreen, spreading or trailing shrub has succulent stems that can form mats over 3m in length. The fleshy, curved leaves are triangular in cross-section and can reach up to 15cm in length. Solitary yellow flowers, fading to pink and measuring up to 15cm in diameter, may appear and be followed by yellow, fig-like fruits. Belonging to the Aizoaceae family, this perennial succulent can also be found in the Mediterranean, Australia, and California. Its dense root system supports a creeping branched stem, while the trihedral, fleshy leaves are bright green with reddish edges. Carpobrotus edulis produces yellowish or pinkish flowers and fleshy berries that ripen a few months after flowering, with each fruit containing 6-20 chambers housing 20-100 seeds. With proper care, this plant can thrive as a beautiful decoration for your home, although it can also spread like a weed in the wild.

Common names

Freeway Iceplant, Hottentot Fig, Ice Plant

How to care for Freeway Iceplant

Difficulty

With its straightforward care requirements, Freeway Iceplant is a hassle-free plant that anyone can enjoy.

Water

Freeway Iceplant does best in dry soil and should only be watered sparingly.

Lighting

Freeway Iceplant requires abundant, bright, and direct light to thrive. The best placement for this plant is within one foot of a window to ensure it receives enough light. If you live in an area with more extreme weather, such as hot summers or cold winters, you may need to adjust the placement of the plant accordingly. During hot summer months, it is important to place the plant away from full sun, as this can cause the leaves to yellow or burn. During cold winter months, it is best to move the plant closer to the window to take advantage of the extra light that can help it survive. By keeping an eye on the current weather in your area, you can make sure your Hottentot Fig is always in the right place to thrive.

Dormancy

During the wintertime, it is common for Freeway Iceplant plants to go dormant and their growth rate may slow down. Therefore, the amount of waterings should be spaced out more.

Toxicity

There is no verified data on the toxicity of this plant in the records of Ploi. If any person, including yourself, a family member, or a pet, consume plant material with an uncertain toxicity level, it is advisable to seek the advice of a healthcare expert.

Region of origin

Freeway Iceplant’s native range is S. Africa - Cape Province. Naturalized in Britain[17].


More info:
Wikipedia