Carpobrotus edulis

Carpobrotus is the only genus in the family Aizoaceae to produce an edible berry, the hottentot fig (Heywood 1993). Within this genus, C. edulis is similar to C. chilensis but may be distinguished by its leaves which are somewhat curved, serrate on the outer angle near the tip, and not glaucous (Hickman 1993).

This species is invasive in California and is commonly found in many coastal habitats, especially on sand. It is planted widely along highways and for dune stabilization (Hickman 1993).

In California, C. edulis is abundant in burned or otherwise disturbed maritime chaparral, but does not appear to invade undisturbed mature chaparral. A study by D'Antonio et al. (1993) on the roles of fire and herbivory in invasion of C. edulis into maritime chaparral found that herbivory, particularly by brush rabbits (Sylvilagus bachmanii), limits seedling establishment in burned and unburned sites. At the same time, herbivores, especially deer, are also seed dispersers. When seeds were abundant in deer scat and in the soil before burns, burning did not enhance germination, but they found that the post-burn soil environment, however, supported C. edulis growth in excess of herbivore use, promoting its establishment (D'Antonio et al. 1993).

Carpobrotus edulis can reproduce either by seed or vegetatively from broken stem fragments that rapidly root to form new plants (Mulroy et al. 1993). In California, C. edulis is dispersed by several native mammals. Deer and jack rabbits may bring C. edulis seeds into recently burned areas (D'Antonio et al. 1993).