Sarracenia.com
Family
Aizoaceae
Botanical Name
Carpobrotus edulis
Plant Common Name
Highway Iceplant, Hottentot Fig
General Description
In addition to its light yellow and pale pink flowers, the highway iceplant also yields edible, fig-like fruits late in the season. This summer blooming perennial groundcover is native to the slopes of coastal and inland South Africa. It develops a relatively shallow root system and spreads via fleshy stems across the soil to create dense mats of foliage.
The short, succulent leaves are stiff, narrow and held upright. In cross section they have a distinctly triangular shape. Younger leaves are slightly yellowish green but mature foliage is gray-green blushed with red. From spring to fall, many blossoms are produced across the mats, which open in the morning and close at dusk. In the center of each pale yellow, dandelion-like flower is a starfish-shaped stigma. As flowers age, they turn shades of light pink. Bees and butterflies pollinate the blossoms, and small, golden-brown, fragrant fruits that resemble tiny figs are produced from late summer into fall. These edible fruits have an astringent, sour and salty taste.
Plant highway iceplant in sunshine and somewhat dry, sandy soil with some organic matter. This succulent is highly drought tolerant, but bone-dry, hot soil will diminish overall vigor and flowering during the growing season. Irrigate lightly in the heat of the growing season, but keep the soil dry in winter. Too much water or fertilizer will kill this iceplant. High humidity and shade are also problematic as they lead to fungal rot and encourage snail habitation. This iceplant is an exceptional groundcover for rock gardens, on coastal sandy berms, in containers or as for rooftop gardens in frost-free regions. Do not plant this shallow-rooted plant along roadsides where erosion is a problem.
Characteristics
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AHS Heat Zone
12 - 5
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USDA Hardiness Zone
7 - 11
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Sunset Zone
H1, H2, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24
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Plant Type
Cactus or Succulent
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Sun Exposure
Full Sun, Partial Sun
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Height
4"-6" / 10.2cm - 15.2cm
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Width
5'-20' / 1.5m - 6.1m
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Bloom Time
Late Spring, Early Summer, Summer, Late Summer, Early Fall
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Native To
South Africa
Growing Conditions
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Soil pH
Neutral, Alkaline
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Soil Drainage
Well Drained
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Soil type
Loam, Sand
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Tolerances
Drought, Salt
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Growth Rate
Fast
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Water Requirements
Xeric/Desert, Drought Tolerant
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Habit
Mat-forming
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Seasonal Interest
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Ornamental Features
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Flower Interest
Showy
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Flower Color
Light Yellow, Light Pink
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Fruit Color
Gold, Sandy Brown
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Foliage Color (Spring)
Green
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Foliage Color (Summer)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Fall)
Green, Gray Green
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Foliage Color (Winter)
Green, Gray Green
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Fragrant Flowers
No
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Fragrant Fruit
Yes
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Fragrant Foliage
No
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Bark or Stem Fragrant
No
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Flower Petal Number
Single
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Repeat Bloomer
Yes
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Showy Fruit
No
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Edible Fruit
Yes
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Showy Foliage
Yes
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Foliage Texture
Coarse
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Foliage Sheen
Matte
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Evergreen
Yes
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Showy Bark
No
Special Characteristics
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Usage
Container, Edging, Edible, Groundcover, Mixed Border, Rock Garden / Wall
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Sharp or Has Thorns
No
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Invasive
No
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Attracts
Butterflies
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Self-Sowing
Yes
