Carpobrotus muirii

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

Carpobrotus muirii (commonly known as dwarf sourfig or Dwerg Suurvy) is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to the Overberg region in the Western Cape, South Africa.

Description[]

This species of Carpobrotus has distinctively slender (40–80mm x 5–6 mm), incurved, glaucous-green leaves.

Of the other six Carpobrotus species which occur in South Africa, this species is particularly closely related to the larger Carpobrotus deliciosus, which occurs to the east of its range, extending into the Eastern Cape.

However the dwarf sourfig has thinner, narrower leaves, and only occurs in the Western Cape.^[1]

Its sweet edible fruits are grazed by tortoises and other southern African animals, and are also used locally to make traditional preserves.

Distribution[]

This species has a small distribution range, being restricted to the Overberg region in the Western Cape, South Africa.

It occurs near the towns of Heidelberg and Riversdale. Near the coast it can be found from Arniston and De Hoop, as far east as Stilbaai. Here it is found in Strandveld vegetation, usually within ten kilometres of the coast.

Its natural range is declining due to alien invasive species and wheat farming.^[2]

References[]

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