Carpobrotus also known as Pigsface is a creeping succulent that forms a ground-cover. It has thick, fleshy green leaves with gorgeous pink/purple flowers. It is found on sand dunes along the east coast of Australia and acts as a dune stabilizer.

Chances are it was Carpobrotus glaucescens (also known as pigface, ice plant or angular sea fig). And you might be surprised to learn that not only is it native to Australia but it is also edible. The red-purple fruit has a flavour described by some as like salty strawberry or kiwi fruit and by others as like salty apples. Its thick, fleshy leaves can also be eaten – raw or cooked (the roasted leaves may be used as a salt substitute) and the juice from the leaves can be used to soothe stings or burnt skin. The juice from the leaves can be mixed with water and used as a gargle for sore throats and mild bacterial infections of the mouth. The fruit has also been used as a laxative.

Carpobrotus is a useful plant for gardeners wanting to avoid using chemical sprays because it is relatively pest free. But there is a chance it may be attacked by scale in summer in which case there are some environmentally-friendly ways to combat the pest: give them a blast with a high pressure hose in the morning three days in a row; wipe them off with a stick; dab with alcohol; or encourage predatory bugs.

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