Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis)

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

Carpobrotus edulis is a PERENNIAL growing to 0.1 m (0ft 4in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). See above for USDA hardiness. It is hardy to UK zone 8 and is frost tender. It is 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. Suitable for: light (sandy) soils, prefers well-drained soil and can grow in nutritionally poor soil.

Edible Parts & Harvest Seasons

Edible Parts: Fruit, Leaves

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

Flavor & Culinary Uses

sweetly acid. — Fruit - raw, cooked, dried for later use or made into pickles, chutney etc.; There is very little flesh in the fruit and it must be fully ripe otherwise it is very astringent.; Mucilaginous and sweetly acid.; Leaves - raw or cooked.

Habitat & North American Range

Sandy and rocky places by the sea. Naturalized on cliffs and banks by the sea in Cornwall and S. Devon. (Zone 7, Zone 8, Zone 9, Zone 10)