sea fig
ExplorePlants
sea fig
Carpobrotus edulis
The sea fig is a fun plant that grows along the coast. It has thick, juicy leaves and pretty yellow or pink flowers that bloom in the summer. This plant loves sunny places and can help keep the sand in place!
Habitat: Coastal areas
Appearance
The sea fig is a sprawling succulent with thick, fleshy, three-angled leaves that form dense mats. Its vibrant, daisy-like flowers are typically bright yellow or magenta, standing out against the glossy green foliage.
KingdomPlantaePhylumTracheophytaClassMagnoliopsidaOrderCaryophyllalesFamilyAizoaceaeGenusCarpobrotus
Category
PlantsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its juicy fruit was once used by sailors to prevent scurvy on long voyages!
Originally from South Africa, this tough plant now grows on coasts worldwide!
Sea fig can help stop erosion by anchoring sandy soils with its strong roots!
Some call it 'ice plant' because its glistening leaves look like they're covered in ice!
Special abilities
Ability
Salt-Resistant Survivor
Sea fig can thrive in salty coastal soils because it has special cells to store and excrete excess salt.
Ability
Water Hoarder
Sea fig has thick, succulent leaves that store precious water, helping it survive long periods of drought.
Ability
Rapid Spreader
Sea fig can quickly cover large areas, thanks to its fast-growing, rooting stems that spread aggressively.
Ability
Fruit Disperser
Sea fig produces tasty, edible fruits that attract animals, which then help spread its seeds to new locations.
Measurements & details
- Height
- 10-30 cm
- Spread
- 100-300 cm
- Flower Size
- 5-10 cm
- Bloom Season
- Spring to Fall
- Edible
- Yes
- Toxicity
- None
- Lifecycle
- Perennial
- Pollination Method
- Insect
Ecological connections
pollinates
European honey bee
Apis mellifera
Visits its bright flowers to collect nectar and pollen.
eats
Humans
Homo sapiens
Enjoy the sweet, tangy fruits of the sea fig.
eats
Garden snail
Helix aspersa
Grazes on its fleshy leaves and stems, especially new growth.
eats
European rabbit
Oryctolagus cuniculus
Feeds on the succulent leaves and stems of the plant.
Traits
Flowering
Flowering plants are any plants that produce flowers as part of their reproductive cycle.
Shrub
A shrub is a woody plant smaller than a tree, typically with multiple stems branching from or near the ground.
Summer Blooming
Summer blooming plants produce their flowers during the summer season, often providing vibrant color when many other plants have finished.
Fruit Bearing
Fruit-bearing plants produce fruits, which are the mature ovaries of flowering plants containing seeds.
Salt Tolerant
Salt tolerant plants can withstand and grow in conditions with elevated salinity levels in the soil or water.
Drought Tolerant
Drought-tolerant plants can survive and flourish in conditions with limited water availability.
Succulent
Succulent plants have thickened, fleshy parts, usually leaves or stems, adapted to store water in arid climates.
Edible
Edible plants are those parts of a plant that are considered safe for human consumption.
Pollinator Magnet
Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms.
Coastal
Coastal habitats are dynamic environments located along the interface between land and sea, influenced by tides, waves, and saltwater.
Also known as
Hottentot FigPigfaceSea Figs
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch plants without asking an adult first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is sea fig?
10-30 cm
How wide does sea fig spread?
100-300 cm
How big are the flowers on sea fig?
5-10 cm
When does sea fig bloom?
Spring to Fall
Is sea fig edible?
Yes
Is sea fig toxic?
None
What is sea fig's lifecycle?
Perennial
How is sea fig pollinated?
Insect
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