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Description
Carpobrotus Dimidiatus, also known as the Hottentot Fig, is a succulent plant that belongs to the ice plant family (Aizoaceae). This plant is native to South Africa but can now be found in various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia. The Hottentot Fig is an evergreen perennial and can grow up to 6 inches tall and spread up to 6 feet wide. It has fleshy, triangular leaves that are about 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. The flowers are large and pink, measuring up to 4 inches in diameter. The fruit is a fleshy, edible berry that is about 1 inch in length and 0.5 inches in diameter.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Caryophyllales |
| Family | Aizoaceae |
| Genus | Carpobrotus |
| Species | Dimidiatus |
Appearance
The Hottentot Fig is a low-growing plant that spreads horizontally. It has thick, succulent leaves that are triangular in shape and can be up to 3 inches long and 1 inch wide. The leaves are a bluish-green color and have a waxy coating that helps them retain moisture.The flowers of the Hottentot Fig are large and pink, measuring up to 4 inches in diameter. They bloom from spring to summer and attract bees and other pollinators. The fruit is a fleshy, edible berry that is about 1 inch in length and 0.5 inches in diameter. The fruit is edible but can be quite sour.
Care Guide
The Hottentot Fig is a hardy plant that thrives in warm and dry climates. It is easy to care for and requires minimal maintenance. Here are some care tips for the Hottentot Fig:- Water: The Hottentot Fig is drought-tolerant and does not require frequent watering. Water the plant deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the winter months.- Fertilization: The Hottentot Fig does not require fertilization but can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year.- Soil: The Hottentot Fig prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate poor soil conditions. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.- Sunlight: The Hottentot Fig requires full sun to thrive. It can tolerate partial shade but may not produce as many flowers.- Hardiness Zones: The Hottentot Fig is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Common Pests & Diseases
The Hottentot Fig is a relatively pest and disease-free plant. However, it may be susceptible to root rot if overwatered. Additionally, it may attract snails and slugs, which can damage the leaves and flowers. Use a snail and slug bait to control these pests.
Habitat
The Hottentot Fig is native to South Africa but has been introduced to various parts of the world, including Europe, North America, and Australia. It thrives in warm and dry climates and can be found in coastal areas, dunes, and rocky slopes.
Question and Answer
Q: Is the Hottentot Fig a good ground cover plant?
A: Yes, the Hottentot Fig is an excellent ground cover plant that can spread up to 6 feet wide.Q: Can the fruit of the Hottentot Fig be eaten?
A: Yes, the fruit of the Hottentot Fig is edible but can be quite sour.Q: Does the Hottentot Fig require fertilization?
A: The Hottentot Fig does not require fertilization but can benefit from a balanced, slow-release fertilizer once a year.Q: What is the hardiness zone for the Hottentot Fig?
A: The Hottentot Fig is hardy in USDA zones 9-11.
Related Plants
– Carpobrotus Acinaciformis- Carpobrotus Edulis- Carpobrotus Glaucescens- Carpobrotus Rossii
References
– “Hottentot Fig.” Royal Horticultural Society. https://www.rhs.org.uk/Plants/8889/Carpobrotus-dimidiatus/Details- “Carpobrotus Dimidiatus.” Missouri Botanical Garden. https://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=282412&isprofile=0&- “Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus Dimidiatus).” PlantZAfrica. http://pza.sanbi.org/carpobrotus-dimidiatus
