Taxonomy

Division:

Magnoliophyta | - Flowering plants

Family:

Aizoaceae

Genus:

Carpobrotus

Species:

Carpobrotus edulis

USDA Symbol:

CAED3

Growth Characteristics

Life Cycle:

Perennial

Growth Habit:

Shrub

Height:

30 cm

Light Requirements:

Full Sun

Drought Tolerance:

High

Bloom Months:

apr,may,jun,jul,aug,sep

Bloom Colors:

yellow, pink, magenta

Ground Cover:

Yes

Native Range

South Africa

Garden & Ecology Notes

Wildlife Value:

birds, small mammals

Deer Resistant:

Yes

Salt Tolerant:

Yes

Fire Ecology:

Fire adapted — tolerates or benefits from fire

Fire Notes:

Resprouts vigorously after fire from surviving stem fragments; can alter fire regimes in invaded habitats due to high moisture content.

Soil Requirements

Soil Type:

sandy, nutrient-poor, well-drained soil

pH:

6.0 - 8.0 (slightly acidic to neutral)

Drainage:

excellent drainage required

Moisture:

dry to moderate

Notes:

native to coastal areas, tolerates saline conditions

Propagation & Germination

Stratification:

None required

Germination Time:

14–30 days

Notes:

Seeds germinate readily without pretreatment; primarily propagated by stem cuttings which root easily.

Propagation data sourced from Claude AI