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Natal Sour Fig
Carpobrotus dimidiatus
SA tree number
English: Natal Sour Fig, Eastern Sour Fig
Afrikaans: Natalse suurvy, Natalse strandvy, Natalse Suurvygie, Strandvygie
Zulu: Ikhambi lamabulawo
Historical scientific names: Mesembryanthemum dimidiatum, Carpobrotus juritzii
Carpobrotus dimidiatus, commonly known as Natal Sour Fig, is a robust, spreading indigenous succulent groundcover. It is characterised by its fleshy, three-sided, dull glaucous-green leaves, and striking pink to purple-pink, daisy-like flowers. This hardy plant forms dense mats, playing a vital role in stabilising coastal sand dunes and offering edible fruits.
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Distinguishing features:
Succulent, fleshy, three-sided leaves that are relatively long and thin, often dull glaucous-green.
Forms dense, sprawling mats, rooting at the nodes.
Large, solitary, daisy-like flowers in shades of pink to purple-pink.
Fleshy fruit that is barrel-shaped or turbiniform and edible.
Found predominantly in coastal dune environments.
Overall appearance:
The Natal Sour Fig (Carpobrotus dimidiatus) is a low-growing, mat-forming succulent perennial that spreads extensively. It presents a carpet of fleshy, dull greenish leaves, adorned with large, vibrant pink to purple-pink, daisy-like flowers, particularly prominent in coastal areas. Its robust nature makes it an excellent groundcover, especially for stabilising sandy soils.
Height:
Typically grows 15 to 30 centimetres high, forming a low-lying mat.
Width:
Spreads outwards indefinitely, covering large areas of ground.
Leaves:
The leaves are succulent, fleshy, sword-shaped, three-sided (triangular in cross-section), and relatively long and thin, typically 6-13 cm long and 1-1.2 cm wide. They are a dull glaucous-green colour, sometimes tinged reddish, and are crowded along the stems. Mature leaves are generally straight, though very young ones can be slightly curved.
Flowers:
The flowers are large and showy, solitary, measuring about 5-10 cm in diameter. They are typically bright pink to purple-pink, with numerous thin, almost needle-like petals (staminodes) radiating outwards, surrounding a central mass of stamens and a starfish-like stigma. They open in bright sunlight and close at night. Carpobrotus dimidiatus flowers are hermaphroditic, containing both male and female reproductive parts.
Flowering season:
It primarily flowers during the summer months and can extend into early autumn (around December to April).
Fruits:
The fruit is a fleshy, indehiscent (does not split open when ripe) berry, turbiniform to "barrel-shaped," and tapers at the bottom into the pedicel. It is about 2.5-3.5 cm in diameter, becoming yellowish or brownish, wrinkled, and leathery when mature. The pulp inside is sour but edible, with small seeds embedded in a jelly-like mucilage.
Seeds:
Small, kidney-shaped seeds are embedded in the sticky, sweet, jelly-like pulp of the fruit. They are dispersed by animals that consume the fruit.
Bark/Stems:
The stems are robust, succulent, and trailing, rooting at the nodes as they spread along the ground, forming dense mats. The growing tips often curve upwards.
Thorns:
None.
Roots:
It has a fibrous root system that develops from the trailing stems where they root at the nodes, contributing to its effectiveness as a soil stabiliser.
Soil type:
Highly adaptable to a variety of well-drained soils, including sandy, loamy, and even poor or rocky soils. It is particularly well-suited to coastal sands and tolerates a range of pH levels from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline.
Aspect:
Thrives in full sun to partial shade. It is highly tolerant of drought once established, strong winds, and salt spray, making it ideal for coastal environments. It is moderately frost-tolerant; while it can withstand light frost, severe frost may cause damage, though it often recovers.
Ediblity:
The ripe fruits are edible for humans. They have a distinct sour taste and can be eaten fresh or used to make jams and preserves. The leaf sap is also traditionally used.
Toxicity:
Considered non-toxic. The leaf sap is used in traditional medicine, but care should be taken with large quantities due to potential laxative effects.
Uses:
An excellent indigenous groundcover for stabilising sand dunes, preventing soil erosion on slopes, and for general landscaping in coastal and drier areas. It is ideal for low-maintenance, water-wise gardens. The edible fruits are a bonus, and various parts of the plant are used in traditional medicine for ailments like sore throats, thrush, diarrhoea, and burn wounds.
Ecology:
The large, colourful flowers attract a variety of insect pollinators, including bees. The fruits are eagerly consumed by various animals, including tortoises, rodents, baboons, and other small mammals, which aid in seed dispersal. The dense, mat-forming growth provides shelter for snails, lizards, and skinks. Its robust root system is crucial for stabilising coastal dunes and preventing erosion.
Distribution and habitat:
Carpobrotus dimidiatus is native to the coastal areas of KwaZulu-Natal and the Eastern Cape provinces of South Africa, extending northwards into Mozambique. It is typically found on coastal sand dunes, rocky outcrops near the sea, and in other sandy, well-drained coastal habitats.
Derivation of name:
The genus name Carpobrotus is derived from the Greek words 'karpos', meaning 'fruit', and 'brotos', meaning 'edible', referring to its fleshy, edible fruits.
The species epithet dimidiatus is Latin, meaning 'halved' or 'divided into two parts', possibly referring to a feature of its fruit or perhaps the shape of some part of the flower or receptacle, although the precise botanical reason for this specific epithet for this species is not widely detailed in common sources.
Common names like "Natal Sour Fig" refer to its indigenous region (Natal) and the sour taste of its fig-like fruit.
Historical aspects:
Like other Carpobrotus species, Carpobrotus dimidiatus has been used by indigenous communities in coastal South Africa for centuries for its edible fruits and its medicinal properties. Its ability to thrive in harsh coastal conditions and stabilise shifting sands has long been observed and appreciated. In modern times, it has been widely planted for its ecological benefits in erosion control and its ornamental value in landscaping, contributing to sustainable gardening practices, particularly in its native range.
Interesting facts:
This plant is like nature's superglue for sand dunes! It spreads out and roots as it goes, stopping the sand from blowing away.
Its bright pink to purple flowers look just like giant daisies, making a vibrant splash of colour along the coast.
The fruit might be called "sour fig," but it's totally edible and can even be made into jam – a tasty treat straight from the plant!
If you ever get a blue bottle sting at the beach (ouch!), traditionally, the sap from this plant's leaves can be used to help soothe it.
Growing tips:
Propagation: Easily propagated from stem cuttings. Allow cuttings to dry and form a callus for a few days before planting. Can also be grown from seed.
Planting: Prefers full sun for best growth and flowering, but tolerates partial shade. Ideal for sandy, well-drained soils, especially in coastal areas.
Watering: Water regularly during establishment. Once established, it is very drought-tolerant and requires minimal watering. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
Frost Protection: Moderately frost-tolerant. In very cold areas, it may experience some dieback but usually recovers.
Maintenance: Very low maintenance. No specific pruning is usually required, but it can be trimmed to manage spread.
This plant is a fantastic alternative for:
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