Carpobrotus chilensis (Molina) N.E. Br.

Sea fig

Sea fig is so named because it occurs along the Pacific coast, and because it produces a fruit like a small fig that, although not especially appetizing, is edible. (Carpobrotus means “edible fruit,” and chilensis means “from Chile,” rather odd, since it is from South Africa.) It is a native of South Africa. Introduced to North America, it is become naturalized along the west coast, where it is often considered invasive.

Plants: These produce ground-hugging stems up to 6½′ (2 m), and these root at nodal points, spreading quickly to form large mats. These are a smaller version of Carpobrotus edulis, or ice plants, with which they are often confused.

Leaves: 1½–3″ (4–7.5 cm) long, succulent, and triangular in cross-section.

Flowers: Flowers are very colorful, almost a fluorescent shade of deep magenta. They are 1½–2½″ (3.8–6.4 cm) in diameter. Flowers appear year round.

Fruits: Fruits have 8-10 chambers.

Habitats: Common along the Pacific coast, in coastal sage scrub habitats, estuary margins, and roadsides, at elevations below 328′ (100 m).

Edibility: Leaves can be consumed raw or cooked, or made into pickles or chutney. Fruits are edible if fully ripe.

Similar species.

Online References:

Older scientific or horticultural names

Carpobrotus chilensis description by Thomas H. Kent, not updated.

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