Carpobrotus edulis

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Carpobrotus edulis

Carpobrotus edulis (pronunciation: kar-po-BRO-tus ED-yoo-lis), also known as the Ice Plant or Hottentot Fig, is a ground-creeping plant that is a member of the Aizoaceae family. The plant is native to South Africa but has spread to other parts of the world, including Australia, Europe, and the United States.

Etymology

The name Carpobrotus comes from the Greek words 'karpos' meaning fruit and 'brota' meaning edible, referring to the plant's edible fruit. The species name edulis is Latin for edible.

Description

Carpobrotus edulis is a perennial plant that forms dense mats of ground cover. The leaves are succulent and triangular in cross-section, while the flowers are large, daisy-like, and can be yellow, pink, or purple. The fruit is a fleshy, edible structure that is yellow or red when ripe.

Uses

The plant has various uses in traditional medicine. The juice from the leaves is used to treat dysentery and diarrhea, while the fruit is used as a mild laxative. The plant is also used in the treatment of tuberculosis, pneumonia, and arthritis.

Invasive Species

In some regions, Carpobrotus edulis is considered an invasive species due to its ability to outcompete native vegetation. It is particularly problematic in areas such as California, where it has spread widely and displaced native plant species.

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