Sour Fig

Sour Fig Overview

Carpobrotus edulis is a low-growing succulent with attractive yellow to pink flowers. It is popular as hardy groundcover replacing lawns in water-wise gardens. The evergreen, fleshy leaves and pretty flowers make a low maintenance alternative to cover large areas in gardens. Flowers are produced mainly during late winter to spring, creating a beautiful show with delicate rays of luminescent petals, inviting numerous insects to collect pollen. Flowers open during bright, sunny days and close again at night. The Cape Sour Fig thrives in a sunny position in well-draining soil. Although frost tender, this succulent is drought- and wind-resistant, and makes for an effective fire barrier. It grows very easily from cuttings, no rooting hormones required. They are also perfect for containers, rockeries, and embankments, creating a beautiful cascading effect with their trailing stems. The plant's sap in the leaves are harvested for medicinal purposes and fruits or "figs" are edible, a great source of Vitamin C. The plant is indigenous to southern Africa and grows along the coastline, often on sandy dunes. This plant may sometimes be referred to as "Hottentot", an offensive term that was historically used to refer to the Khoikhoi, a member of a group of indigenous peoples of South Africa and Namibia. We do not support the usage of such a term.