Disphyma crassifolia – Pig Face
A really useful, tough ground cover, this creeping succulent plant has numerous purple, pink or violet flowers for most of the year. The foliage can be green to red-brown in heat, and it is fast growing.
Especially tolerant of saline conditions, and grows on a wide range of soil types, including rocky and thin ones. It roots at the nodes, making it a great plant for soil stabilisation. Drought and frost tolerant once established, and very low maintenance, it is reputed to be a fire retardant plant. Best in full sun to partly shaded. Excess heat or cold and wet periods will inhibit flowering.
This is a useful edible plant as well…the leaves can be used in stir fries, soups, stews and for pickling.
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- Disphyma crassifolia – native pigface
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- Disphyma crassifolia – native pigface
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Scientific Name: | Disphyma crassifolia |
| Common Name: | Pig Face |
| Other Common Names: | Karkalla, Rounded Noon-flower |
| Plant Type: | Ground cover |
| Height: | 0.2 ~ 0.3 metres |
| Width: | 0.5 ~ 1 metre |
| Flower Colour: | Pink, Purple, Mauve |
| Flowering Time: | All year |
| Ph Level: | Acid, Neutral, Alkaline |
| Soil Type: | Sandy, Loamy, Sandy loam, Clay loam, Potting mix, Saline, Poor soil |
| Plant Environment: | Low maintenance garden, Courtyard, Poolside, Container growing, Cottage garden, Flower garden, Coastal garden, Drought resistant |
| Climate Zone: | Warm temperate, Cool temperate, Mediterranean, Semi-arid, Arid |
| Light: | Sunny, Light shade, Half shade |
| Growth Habit: | Evergreen, Spreading |
| Lifespan: | Perennial |
| Soil Moisture: | Dry, Well-drained |
| Propagation Method: | Seed, Softwood cutting |
| Frost Tolerance: | Tolerates light frost |
| Plant Usage: | Groundcover, Feature plant, Border plant, Fire retardant |
| Special Features: | Edible, Erosion control, Pollution tolerant, Fast growing, Playground friendly |
| Attracts Wildlife: | Bees, Butterflies, Other insects |
The information provided on the Gardening With Angus website is provided for general educational purposes about a variety of Australian plants. We recommend you seek further advice from qualified professionals regarding your own individual circumstances. Further disclaimer information>>
WHERE TO GET YOUR PLANT
Once you have found the plant that looks right for you, the next step is where to buy it.
Most nurseries stock a good range of plants, but due to space and supplies, they may not always have the plant that you are searching for in stock. If they don’t, they may be able to order it in for you if you request it.
Specialist nurseries are also able to give great advice, and if they don’t have the plant you have planned on, they can often suggest alternatives that will also work well for you.
Below is a list of our favourite specialist nurseries. Click on the links for their details-
The Wildflower Place Erina – NSW
Newcastle Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Harvest Seeds And Native Plant Nursery – Sydney – NSW
Native Grace Nursery – Robertson NSW
Wariapendi Nursery – Colo Vale NSW
Sydney Wildflower Nursery – NSW
Geelong Native Plants – Victoria
Wimmera Native Nursery – Victoria
Forest Heart eco-Nursery – Maleny Queensland
Natives R Us – Traveston – Queensland
Manuka Native Nursery – South Australia
MAIL ORDER NURSERIES –
Angus recommends Bush Tucker fertiliser for native plants.