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Pigface (Carpobrotus rossii)

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description Pigface (Carpobrotus rossii) Overview

Pigface, or Carpobrotus rossii, is a prostrate succulent in the ice plant family Aizoaceae native to coastal southern Australia. It forms spreading groundcover on sand dunes and rocky coastal sites, with fleshy triangular leaves, mauve to purple flowers, and reddish edible fruits. Aboriginal Australians traditionally ate the fruits and leaves, and the plant is also used for soil binding in exposed coastal locations.

help Pigface (Carpobrotus rossii) FAQ

Can you eat the fruit of Pigface (Carpobrotus rossii)?

Ripe reddish fruits and fleshy leaves of Carpobrotus rossii are traditionally eaten, but only after confident species identification. The fruit is about 1.5 to 2.5 cm long, and it should not be confused with other coastal plants or hybrids.

Where does Carpobrotus rossii grow?

Pigface is native to coastal southern Australia, especially sand dunes, rocky coastal sites, and exposed foreshore gardens. It can spread roughly 1 to 2 metres and tolerates salt, drought, and full sun.

How can I tell native Pigface from Hottentot Fig?

Native Carpobrotus rossii usually has mauve to purple flowers with a pale base, while introduced Carpobrotus edulis commonly has yellowish flowers. Hybrids can make identification difficult, so flower color alone is not always enough.

When does Pigface flower, and how large are the flowers?

Carpobrotus rossii can flower for much of the year, depending on the local climate. Botanical descriptions put the flower diameter at about 3.5 to 5.5 cm.

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