Carpobrotus edulis is the only member of this genus to have colonised significant areas of the UK, though a few other species are found in far west Cornwall, and the Scilly Isles.
Common names:
Hottentot fig, ice plant
Family:
Scientific name:
Carpobrotus edulis
Main flower color:
Range:
Coastal areas in the south and west. An introduced species, from South Africa
Height:
Up to 10 cm - forms extensive mats
Habitat:
Beach margins, sand dunes, coastal cliffs
Flowers:
Formed of numerous thin, linear, petal-like lobes, coloured yellow or less often pink, around a centre of many yellowish-white stamens. Below are five green, leaf-like sepals, up to 4 cm long
Leaves:
Succulent, light green, hairless, triangular in cross-section, up to 7 cm long. Leaves are widest below the middle
Season:
May to August
Rarity:
★★★★★
