Carpobrotus rossii

AIZOACEAE
Karkalla


Leaves are triangular in cross section 2-5cm long x 4-10mm wide. Shiny green through to purplish in colour. Flowers are pink, purple or violet petals with white centres. 2-5 cm diameter. Many petals. Flowering October to February. Indigenous people ate the fruit & the foliage was baked. Juice from the leaves was used as an insect repellent.

Widely distributed in saline areas, coastal dunes & samphire flats. Tolerates a wide range of soils including sand, loam & clay. Easily propagated from cuttings. Low water requirement & maintenance once established. Excellent in rockeries. Best in full sun or partial shade. Useful for soil erosion control. Fast growing.