Succulents Weed profiles & Native alternatives
I’M A WEED
Carpobrotus edulis
Hottentot Fig
Carpobrotus edulis
Prostrate, spreading perennial that forms dense mats. Plants can grow up to 40-55 cm thick and 8-10 m wide. Leaves are succulent, triangular in cross-section, 4-8 cm long by 1-2 cm wide and dull green with a reddish tinge. Stems grow on or just below the soil surface. Flowers are yellow at first and gradually change to pink with age, up to 8 cm in diameter with numerous petals and stamens, from September to January.
Globular fruits are up to 2 cm in diameter, and range from dull yellow to red-purple.
Threat / Problem
• Fast-growing and forms a very dense mat over the soil surface, preventing native species becoming established. Readily invades disturbed sandy areas. May degrade genetic integrity of Carpobrotus rossii (native pigface) through hybridisation.
Spread
• Reproduction is by seed and by spread of root or stem fragments through soil movement.
Control
• Manually remove plants, bag and dispose of by deep burial.
GROW ME INSTEAD
Carpobrotus rossii
Pigface
Carpobrotus rossii
A hardy prostrate, spreading groundcover with stems to 1 m or more long. Leaves are succulent, 3.5-10 cm long and 1 cm wide, curved and triangular in cross section. Flowers are a stiking pink to light purple, up to 6 cm in diameter. The globular, purplish, edible, red fruit is about 2.5 cm long and 1.5 cm wide.
Colourful attractive groundcover for sloping sites, rockeries and low maintenance gardens.
Carpobrotus rossii
OR GROW ME
Disphyma crassifolium
Round-leaved Pigface
Disphyma crassifolium
Prostrate, succulent shrub or annual herb to 30 cm high. Green to reddish leaves are round in cross-section and become more red in dry conditions. Flowers are pink, purple or violet, 2-5 cm in diameter from October to February. Globular fruit is 0.5-1.2 cm in diameter, red and succulent at first, becoming dry and hardened.
Found on saline soils, rocky coastal cliffs and saline soils inland. Frost and drought tolerant.
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