CARPOBROTUS modestus

A prostrate succulent plant that spreads to 2 metres wide with thick succulent leaves up to 30-70mm long and 5-10mm thick.
Light purple daisy-like flowers 3-5 cm across with glossy petals occur in spring and summer.
Aboriginal people ate the fruit traditionally, fresh and dried. The salty leaves were also reported to have been eaten with meat. Carpobrotus extract has significant in vitro antioxidant, antiplatelet and potentially, anti-inflammatory activity.

Pigface forms part of the Aizoaceae family which are commonly known as stone plants, a species that resemble stones or pebbles.

Ideal ground cover for hot sandy soils.

Native inland areas of Australia prefers a light to medium well-drained soil in an open sunny position. Drought and frost resistant.

Please Note: Although many of the traditional Bush Food and Medicine plants are now commercially produced in various forms we recommend you re-search these before using them as any form of food or medicines. Some parts of the plant may not be edible or some may need prepared before they are safe to eat or use in any way. We do our best to describe their traditional & modern uses. It is the purchaser's responsibility to ensure they are fit for their intended use.

Grow notes:

Although seed can be sown most of the year in many parts of Australia seed is generally best sown in spring or autumn, avoid the coldest and hottest months of the year. The optimum germination temperature for germination is around 18-22°C for this species.

1. Sow seed on the surface of a porous seed raising mix. The seed will lodge in the pores of the mix once watered.
2. Sprinkle a very light covering of the seed raising mix over the seed if required to hold the seed in place. Do not bury seed deeply.
3. Water with fine mist spray to avoid disturbance of the seed.
4. Place in a warm shaded or semi-shaded position to avoid dying out.
5. Keep warm & moist, avoid drying out or waterlogging the growing mix.
6. Germination generally occurs in around 14-28 days in the right condition.

General note: Seeds of many natives are dormant and require specific conditions or pre-treatment for germination.
Do not be too hasty to discard seed that does not germinate, seeds will often lay dormant until the conditions are similar to their natural requirements for germination to occur. Containers put to one side will often surprise long after they were discarded.