Carpobrotus glaucescens
angular sea-fig
Overview
Carpobrotus glaucescens is an evergreen succulent groundcover in the Aizoaceae forming trailing mats 4-8 inches (10-20 cm) tall and spreading 6-10 feet (1.8-3 m) wide. Stout stems root at the nodes as they trail. Leaves are fleshy, three-angled in cross-section, 1.2-2.4 inches (3-6 cm) long, blue-green with a waxy bloom and a slightly curved triangular shape. Daisy-like flowers 1.6-2.4 inches (4-6 cm) across open on sunny days from spring to summer, with many narrow petals in shades of pink to purple fading paler toward the centre and a yellow stamen cluster. The fleshy fig-shaped fruit ripens to reddish-purple and is edible. Growth is rapid in warm, sunny conditions. The shallow root system tolerates salt spray, sand, and drought. Rapid spread can overrun low plants, and old mats become bare and woody at the centre.
Native Range
Native to the east coast of Australia, from Queensland south to Victoria, including coastal New South Wales. Grows on foredunes, sand, headlands, and cliff tops exposed to salt-laden wind.Suggested Uses
Planted as a groundcover and sand binder on coastal dunes, banks, and exposed slopes, spaced 24-36 inches (60-90 cm) apart for cover within a season. Used in seaside, rock, and low-water gardens. The fruit is eaten fresh or used in jams, and the leaf sap is applied to minor skin irritations.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height4" - 8"
Width/Spread6' - 10'
Reaches mature size in approximately 1 years
Colors
Bloom Information
Flowers from spring through summer, roughly September to February, with scattered flowers possible year-round in mild coastal climates. Individual flowers open in sun and last several days; the overall display extends 12-16 weeks. Flowering is reduced in shade and by inland frost.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
Pink to purpleFoliage Description
Blue-greenGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 6-12 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Grows in full sun in sandy, sharply drained soil, including saline and nutrient-poor coastal sites. Water occasionally to establish, then little irrigation is needed; the fleshy leaves store water and the plant tolerates extended drought and salt spray. Wet, poorly drained soils and shade cause stem and root rot. Frost burns the foliage in inland areas. The plant spreads quickly and may need trimming to keep it off paths and neighbouring plants. It has few pests.Pruning
Trim runners during the growing season to contain spread and keep the mat within bounds. Cut back bare, woody centres in spring to bring fresh growth from the margins. Detached stem sections root readily when laid on moist sand.Pruning Schedule
J
F
M
A
M
J
J
A
S
O
N
D
spring
Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons