Carpobrotus muirii (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Albertinia sour fig, dwarf sour fig · Albertinia-suurvy, kleinsuurvy (Afr.)
Photo: AVNPlants
Compact sour fig from the Albertinia sand fynbos: a mat-forming succulent with purplish-pink flowers.
What’s in the name: Carpobrotus: Greek for "edible fruit"; muirii: honours Dr John Muir, a Riversdale doctor and naturalist.
“When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe.”
— John Muir, My First Summer in the Sierra – John Muir, My First Summer in the Sierra (1911), Project Gutenberg
Available from AVNPlants: see the availability list.
Family
Aizoaceae
Conservation status
Near Threatened B1ab(ii,iii)+2ab(ii,iii), SANBI Red List of South African Plants
Natural distribution & habitat
Endemic to the south-eastern Western Cape between Stilbaai and De Hoop (Albertinia district), on lowland sand fynbos within about 10 km of the sea, at roughly 150–200 m altitude.
Size & form
Low, densely branched, hairless succulent; stems reach 1–1.5 m, with narrow, slightly curved three-angled leaves 45–65 mm, sometimes red-tinged.
Flowering
Mainly September to November.
Uses in landscaping
- Sand-binding groundcover for coastal and fynbos gardens
- Containers (repot every second year)
Care notes
Prefers poor, acid, sandy soil. Renew untidy plants from cuttings; stem cuttings root best from spring to autumn. Seed also works.
Wildlife value
Bee- and insect-pollinated.
Find out more
In the garden
Facts checked against: SANBI PlantZAfrica species page 'Carpobrotus muirii'; SANBI Red List of South African Plants, Carpobrotus muirii (L.Bolus) L.Bolus (assessment 2005/07/07).