Carpobrotus
Encyclopedia
Carpobrotus is a genus
Genus
In biology, a genus is a low-level taxonomic rank used in the biological classification of living and fossil organisms, which is an example of definition by genus and differentia...

 of ground-creeping plants, with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The name refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Greek "karpos" (fruit) and "brota" (edible).

There are about 25 species in this genus, having a disperse distribution worldwide. They are mostly South Africa
South Africa
The Republic of South Africa is a country in southern Africa. Located at the southern tip of Africa, it is divided into nine provinces, with of coastline on the Atlantic and Indian oceans...

n, but there is also one species in South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...

 and four in Australia
Australia
Australia , officially the Commonwealth of Australia, is a country in the Southern Hemisphere comprising the mainland of the Australian continent, the island of Tasmania, and numerous smaller islands in the Indian and Pacific Oceans. It is the world's sixth-largest country by total area...

 (NSW Flora Online). Various Carpobrotus sp. are invasive introduced species in suitable climates throughout the world. Common names include ice plant
Ice plant
- Plant common names :* Aizoaceae, the ice plant family* Carpobrotus chilensis* Carpobrotus edulis* Conicosia, narrow-leafed ice plants* Delosperma cooperi, Cooper's ice plant* Delosperma bosseranum...

and Pigface. On of the subdivisions of Carpobrotus, C. glaucescens
Carpobrotus glaucescens
Pigface, or Carpobrotus glaucescens, is a succulent coastal groundcover native to temperate eastern Australia.Succulent leaves are 3.5–10 cm long and 9–15 mm wide, straight or slightly curved. Flowers are 3.2-6 cm wide, and light purple. The fruit is 2–3 cm long, 1.6–2.4 cm wide, red to...

, is noted for having salty fruit, a rare property in fruits.

Ground Cover

Carpobrotus acinaciformis, also referred to in the United States as the Icicle Plant, Strand Ivy, Cape Fig, Hottentots Fig, and Sour Fig, is often used for ground cover due to its fast growth, ground hugging characteristics, and resistance to fire. Carpobrotus are also drought resistant.

Medicinal Properties

Carpobrotus juice (from leaves) can be used as a mild astringent. When mixed with water the juice can be used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and stomach cramps. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throat and laryngitis, and mild bacterial infections of the mouth The leaf juice can also be used externally, much like Aloe Vera
Aloe vera
Aloe vera, pronounced , also known as the true aloe or medicinal aloe, is a species of succulent plant in the genus Aloe that is believed to have originated in the Sudan. Aloe vera grows in arid climates and is widely distributed in Africa, India, Nepal and other arid areas.The species is...

 for burns, abrasions, open cuts, grazes, mosquito bites and sunburn. It is also used to treat ringworm, eczema, dermatitis, herpes, thrush, cold sores, cracked lips, chafing, skin conditions and allergies.

An ancient remedy for constipation
Constipation
Constipation refers to bowel movements that are infrequent or hard to pass. Constipation is a common cause of painful defecation...

 is to eat the fruit with brackish water. Syrup made from the fruit is said to have laxative
Laxative
Laxatives are foods, compounds, or drugs taken to induce bowel movements or to loosen the stool, most often taken to treat constipation. Certain stimulant, lubricant, and saline laxatives are used to evacuate the colon for rectal and/or bowel examinations, and may be supplemented by enemas under...

 properties. A mixture of leaf juice, honey and olive oil in water is an old remedy for TB
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis, MTB, or TB is a common, and in many cases lethal, infectious disease caused by various strains of mycobacteria, usually Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body...

.

External links

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