Carpobrotus glaucescens aka Pigface

Carpobrotus glaucescens, or pigface, is an evergreen succulent in the Aizoaceae family. It grows low and lives for many years. Its native range covers eastern Australia, Norfolk Island and Lord Howe Island. Mainland records include Queensland, New South Wales and Victoria. It grows near the sea, on beaches, dunes and headlands. It occurs at low heights above sea level, mainly in subtropical areas. Its range also reaches into the tropics.

Plants reach about 1 foot (0.3 m) tall. They spread to about 6.6 feet (2 m) across. The stems can also reach 6.6 feet (2 m) long. They creep along the ground and root at their nodes. This lets each plant spread across a broad patch of ground. The leaves are thick and store water. The plant keeps its leaves through the year. Each flower has both male and female organs. Insects carry pollen between the flowers.

The fruit turns red to purple and has soft, moist flesh. Each fruit measures about 0.07–0.10 feet (0.02–0.03 m) long. People eat the fruit raw, and Aboriginal Australians have long gathered it for food. Reports compare its taste with strawberries or figs, with a salty note. The leaves are also edible and taste salty. PFAF and Useful Tropical Plants list no known hazards. This does not establish safety for every person or pet. Traditional uses include applying leaf juice to ease insect-bite pain. Sources also record leaf use against scurvy.

Choose full sun for the best growth, though partial shade also suits it. It needs soil that drains well. It can grow in sand, loam or clay, including poor soils. It accepts mildly acid, neutral and mildly alkaline conditions. Established plants cope with drought, salty soil and sea winds. Dry to moist soil suits it, provided water can drain away. Cold limits its use outdoors in cooler regions. Reports describe brief survival near 28°F (−2°C), rather than prolonged freezing.

Its low, spreading form suits ground cover in coastal beds. Species-level accounts describe it helping hold dune sand in place. It can survive when moving sand buries it. Gardeners can raise plants from seed, cuttings or divisions. Stems that root along the ground also provide new plants. PFAF identifies layering as the easiest way to propagate it.