A ground covering perennial succulent from coastal areas, which can spread to 3 metres wide. It has large, silky purple flowers in spring and summer. Drought, salt and somewhat frost resistant. A fast growing, hardy plant that can be used for stablisation of dunes. Likes a well drained soil, from clay loam to sandy. The leaves are edible and have a salty crunch, they can be used fresh, steamed or pickled, they team well with meat dishes. The juice from the leaves can be applied to relieve insect bites. The ripe fruit is edible, tasting like fig with a salty tang- eat by holding the end of the fruit and sucking out the pulp. Ripening fruit turns red.
Carpobrotus rossii – Karkalla
Family : Aizoaceae
Cultivar Name:
Plant Type : Ground cover
Width : 3
Flowering Time : Spring, Summer
Soil Type : Sandy, Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Saline, Poor soil
Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Semi-arid
Growth Habit : Evergreen, Spreading
Soil Moisture : Dry, Well-drained
Special Uses : Edible, Erosion control, Pipe and drain friendly, Fast growing, Playground friendly
Scientific Name: Carpobrotus rossii
Common Name : Pig Face
Height : 0.4
Flower Color : Pink, Purple
pH Level : Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Poolside, Container growing, Cottage garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant
Light : Sunny, Light shade, Half shade
Lifespan : Perennial
Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost
Attracts Wildlife : Bees, Butterflies, Other insects