Pigface
Carpobrotus glaucescens, Fam. Azioaceae
Prostrate, trailing, succulent, perennial herb.
| Weed Category: | |
| Weed: | No |
| Form or habit: | Vine (Climbing, Twining or groundcover) |
| Family: | Azioaceae |
| Leaf: | Fleshy, triangular in cross section, opposite, 3.5-10cm x 0.9-1.5cm, slightly glaucous. |
| Flower conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Flower colour: |
Purple, Pink |
| Flower description: | Flowers are about 4.6cm across, the 'petals' are pink to purple staminodes. Most months, but especially autumn and winter. |
| Fruit conspicuous: | Conspicuous |
| Fruit colour: |
Purple, Red |
| Fruit: | |
| Fruit description: | Reddish purple, succulent, 2-3cm long with two horns. Summer. |
| Habitat: | Beach scrub, beach strand, coastal dune. |
| Distribution | Queensland, New South Wales, New Zealand/Antarctica. |
| Food source for: | |
| Toxicity: | No toxicity known |
| Origin: | Australia, New Zealand/Antarctica. |
| Notes: | Important sand binding 'pioneer' on dunes. Easily grown from cuttings and can also be grown from seed. Fleshy pulp of the ripe fruit is edible, pleasant although salty. The leaves are edible when cooked. Juice from fresh leaves has been used to treat bites and stings. |
| Information sources: | Melzer R. & Plumb J. (2007) Plants of Capricornia. |
