Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus acinaciformis)

Family: Aizoaceae | Edibility: Edible (2/5)

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 9 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year, in flower from May to July, and the seeds ripen from August to September. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs) and is pollinated by Bees.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves

Harvest Seasons: Early Summer, Fall, Late Summer, Spring

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw. There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent. Insipid. Leaves - raw or cooked. Very mucilaginous, we find it very hard to enjoy them. — There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent.; Leaves - raw or cooked.; Very mucilaginous, we find it very hard to enjoy them.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy and rocky places near the sea. Naturalized on cliffs and banks by the sea in Cornwall and S. Devon. (Zone 8)