Hottentot fig - Carpobrotus edulis (Care, Characteristics, Flower, Images)

Hottentot fig

Also known as: Sour fig, Edible sourfig, cape fig

Hottentot fig (Carpobrotus edulis) is a ground-creeper native to South Africa. Hottentot fig is also sometimes called the highway ice plant, the pigface, and the sour fig. This species is pollinated by honey bees, carpenter bees, and beetles. Antelope and baboons are fond of eating hottentot fig flowers. This species is considered invasive in California and Australia. Hottentot fig has edible leaves and fruit, which can be made into a tart jam.

Scientific classification

Species

Hottentot fig (Carpobrotus edulis)

Pinks, cacti, and allies

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Perennial

Lifespan

Succulent, Herb

Plant Type

Spring, Early summer

Bloom Time

Late winter, Spring, Summer, Fall

Harvest Time

3 m

Plant Height

60 cm to 90 cm

Spread

Green

Leaf Color

5 cm to 9 cm

Flower Size

Brown, Yellow, Gold

Fruit Color

Yellow, Pink, Gold

Flower Color

Green

Stem Color

Winter dormancy

Dormancy

Evergreen

Leaf type

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Images of Hottentot fig

Distribution of Hottentot fig

Distribution Map

Hottentot fig has spread widely from the coastal habitats of its native Cape Province of South Africa. It is now found as an introduced species in parts of Europe, North Africa, Australia, and America. It also occurs in the USA in Florida and Georgia where this wildflower is listed as an invasive species.

Native

Cultivated

Invasive

Introduced

No species reported

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Habitat

Cliffs, banks, sandy and rocky places by the sea

Hemisphere Trend Curve

Northern

Sorthern

Flowering

Fruiting

Culture

Garden Use

Hottentot fig is a succulent that forms an excellent ground cover in a garden. Its low water requirements make this a popular choice for xeriscaped or low-water gardens, and in areas where drought is a problem. Poor soil quality is no concern for this plant, so many gardeners will use it in difficult areas of the garden, or to prevent soil erosion. It looks most pleasing when planted with other groundcover succulents.

Symbolism

Good luck and good fortune

Interesting Facts

Hottentot fig is food for many animals. Tortoises dine on the leaves, while baboons and antelope enjoy the flowers. The fruits are eaten by a number of animals, who disperse the seeds. These plants also provide shelter for small reptiles such as lizards and snakes.

Name Story

Hottentot fig: The origin of Hottentot's name is hard to trace. Although it is often called Hottentot fig, many people think that the word hott carries a discriminatory and derogatory meaning.

Sour fig: This plant is often called sour fig which is derived from "suurvy" in South Africa because its fruit is particularly acidic.

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Care Guide for Hottentot fig

Every 3 weeks

Water

Full sun

Sunlight

20 - 38 ℃

Ideal Temperature

Succulent & Cactus Soil

Soil Type

Water: Hottentot fig, native to South Africa, thrives in arid conditions with infrequent rainfall and exhibits drought tolerance due to its succulent leaves. Water sparingly, roughly every three weeks. This outdoor ground-cover plant prefers full sun and well-draining soil, maximizing its water-retention abilities.

Fertilize: To optimally care for hottentot fig, fertilize during the growing season with a balanced, low-nitrogen food at quarter strength every four weeks. Use well-draining soil and reduce fertilization in dormancy and colder months to avoid over-fertilization and support healthy growth.

Pruning: For optimal shape, large succulent plants like hottentot fig require pruning, particularly in spring and autumn, to remove redundant or dense branches. Propagation involves cutting healthy stems with 5-6 leaves, treating wounds with sulfur powder, and moistening the soil for successful rooting.

Propagation: Hottentot fig is propagated through cuttings of healthy, non-flowering shoots, trimmed to 10-15 cm. Remove lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant in well-draining soil with adequate moisture. Rooting takes a few weeks, after which young plants can be transplanted.

Repotting: Repot hottentot fig every 2 years in spring using a shallow, wide container. After repotting, provide bright, indirect light and resume watering once acclimated to reduce stress and support root growth.

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