Carpobrotus quadrifidus L.Bolus
West Coast sour fig, eland sour fig · Weskus suurvy, elandsvy (Afr.)
Photo: AVNPlants
West Coast sour fig with the largest flowers in the genus – up to 140 mm across.
What’s in the name: Carpobrotus: Greek for "edible fruit"; quadrifidus: "split into four".
“I celebrate myself”
— Walt Whitman, Song of Myself – Walt Whitman, Leaves of Grass, Project Gutenberg
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Aizoaceae
Conservation status
Least Concern, SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
West Coast fog belt of the Western and Northern Cape, on coastal rocks, sandy dune veld and thicket in a dry, winter-rainfall climate.
Size & form
Robust trailing succulent; stems over 2 m long form mats under 50 cm high, rooting where they touch the soil. Sharp, three-angled leaves.
Flowering
August to January.
Uses in landscaping
- Embankments, retaining walls, bed edges and rocky areas in full sun
Care notes
Easy from cuttings or rooted pieces. Seed in coarse sand germinates well, but seedlings rot if overwatered.
Wildlife value
Pollinated by bees, beetles and ants. Tortoises, hares, baboons and antelope eat the plant and fruit, and small animals shelter under the mats.
Find out more
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Carpobrotus quadrifidus'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Carpobrotus quadrifidus L.Bolus (assessment 2006/02/23).