Sweet Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus deliciosus)

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

Carpobrotus deliciosus is an evergreen Perennial growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is in leaf all year. The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils. Suitable pH: mildly acid, neutral and basic (mildly alkaline) soils and can grow in saline soils.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

Fruit - raw or used as a garnish for fruit salads. The fruit can also be dried and eaten like candy or made into jams and preserves. There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent. — Fruit - raw or used as a garnish for fruit salads.; The fruit can also be dried and eaten like candy or made into jams and preserves.; There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent.

Habitat & North American Range

Not known. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)