Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Carpobrotus acinaciformis
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
Clade:	Tracheophytes
Clade:	Angiosperms
Clade:	Eudicots
Order:	Caryophyllales
Family:	Aizoaceae
Genus:	Carpobrotus
Species:	C. acinaciformis
Binomial name
Carpobrotus acinaciformis (L.) L. Bolus

Carpobrotus acinaciformis (commonly known as Elands sourfig, Elandssuurvy or Sally-my-handsome) is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to South Africa.

Description[]

This species of Carpobrotus ("sour fig") bears bright pink-purple flowers and, like its relatives, forms a sprawling succulent groundcover.

It can be distinguished from its related species by its short, stout, gray-green leaves. These are acinaciform: mildly curved and shaped like a sabre, and having the shape of an isosceles triangle in cross-section, if cut perpendicularly.

Distribution[]

This species is naturally endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa. Its natural habitat is coastal dunes, from as far north as Saldanha, across the Cape Peninsula, and eastwards to near Mossel Bay. It also occurs (as a more compact form) inland, from Cape Town to as far east as Riversdale.

Cultivation[]

The pink or purple flowers are very showy and the plant is frequently cultivated, especially in mild coastal climates. Its fruits are edible and are used in southern Africa to make a traditional jam. In the wild they are grazed by tortoises and other southern African herbivores. In some areas, such as the south-west of England, it has become naturalised on sea cliffs and can outcompete native species. ^[1]

The name "Sally-my-handsome" is derived from its former generic name of Mesembryanthemum.

References[]

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Carpobrotus acinaciformis.

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