Appearance
"Carpobrotus edulis" is a creeping, mat-forming succulent species and member of the stone plant family Aizoaceae, one of about 30 species in the genus "Carpobrotus"."C. edulis" is easily confused with its close relatives, including the more diminutive and less aggressive "Carpobrotus chilensis", with which it hybridizes readily.
"C. edulis" can, however, be distinguished from most of its relatives by the colour of its flowers. The large ) flowers of "C. edulis" are yellow or light pink, whereas the smaller, 1.5-to-2.5-inch-diameter "C. chilensis" flowers are deep magenta.
On the flowers, two of the calyx lobes are longer, extending further than the petals.
The leaves of "C. edulis" are only very slightly curved and have serrated sides near the tips.
Naming
"Carpobrotus edulis" has naturalised in many other regions throughout the world, and is an invasive species in several parts, notably Australia, California and the Mediterranean, all of which have similar climates. The ice plant has escaped from cultivation and has become invasive, posing a serious ecological problem by forming vast monospecific zones, lowering biodiversity, and competing directly with several threatened or endangered plant species for nutrients, water, light, and space.
Habitat
Leaves are eaten by tortoises. Puff adders and other snakes, such as the Cape cobra, are often found in "Carpobrotus" clumps, where they ambush the small rodents attracted by the fruits. Flowers are pollinated by solitary bees, honey bees, carpenter bees, and many beetle species. Flowers are eaten by antelopes and baboons. The clumps provide shelter for snails, lizards, and skinks. Fruits are eaten by baboons, rodents, porcupines, antelopes, and people, who also disperse the seeds.
Uses
Its leaves are edible, as are its fruit, as with some other members of the Aizoaceae family.References:
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