Carpobrotus rossii – Karkalla

Carpobrotus rossii - native pigface
Carpobrotus rossii - native pigface

A ground covering perennial succulent from coastal areas, which can spread to 3 metres wide. It has large, silky purple flowers in spring and summer. Drought, salt and somewhat frost resistant. A fast growing, hardy plant that can be used for stablisation of dunes. Likes a well drained soil, from clay loam to sandy. The leaves are edible and have a salty crunch, they can be used fresh, steamed or pickled, they team well with meat dishes. The juice from the leaves can be applied to relieve insect bites. The ripe fruit is edible, tasting like fig with a salty tang- eat by holding the end of the fruit and sucking out the pulp. Ripening fruit turns red.

Family : Aizoaceae

Cultivar Name:

Plant Type : Ground cover

Width : 3

Flowering Time : Spring, Summer

Soil Type : Sandy, Clay, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Saline, Poor soil

Climate Zone : Sub-tropical, Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Semi-arid

Growth Habit : Evergreen, Spreading

Soil Moisture : Dry, Well-drained

Special Uses : Edible, Erosion control, Pipe and drain friendly, Fast growing, Playground friendly

Scientific Name: Carpobrotus rossii

Common Name : Pig Face

Height : 0.4

Flower Color : Pink, Purple

pH Level : Acid, Neutral, Alkaline

Plant Environment : Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Poolside, Container growing, Cottage garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant

Light : Sunny, Light shade, Half shade

Lifespan : Perennial

Frost Tolerance : Tolerates light frost

Attracts Wildlife : Bees, Butterflies, Other insects