Sea Fig
Carpobrotus aequilaterusfam. Caryophyllaceae
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edibleperennialperennialshrubedible leafedible fruitdrought tolerantground covernative australiaedible
Pl. CD16 — Carpobrotus aequilaterus
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IOverview
Overview
Sea Fig (Carpobrotus aequilaterus) is a perennial shrub or subshrub native to the coastal regions of New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and light to medium soil types. Standing at 20 cm tall, Sea Fig is adaptable to various habitats due to its hardiness range of zones 7-10. Its distinctive features include fleshy, succulent leaves that can be used for culinary purposes and the production of edible fruits, making it a valuable addition to both native gardens and coastal landscapes.
Quick answers
What is Sea Fig?
Sea Fig (Carpobrotus aequilaterus) is a perennial shrub or subshrub native to the coastal regions of New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. Known for its edible fruit and leaves, this plant thrives in full sun with a preference for dry to moist conditions and light to medium soil types.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Sea Fig (Carpobrotus aequilaterus) thrives in full sun and is drought-tolerant but can also handle moist conditions. It prefers light to medium soil and grows well in temperate regions with hardiness zones 7-10. This perennial shrub or subshrub reaches about 20 cm in height and is suitable for cultivation where it is native, including New South Wales, South Australia, Victoria, and Western Australia. For propagation, use the fruit and leaves, which are also edible. Ensure the soil drains well to prevent root rot, and water sparingly once established.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
7-10
Life cycle
Perennial
Habit
Shrub, Subshrub, Forb/herb
Mature size
0.2 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Sea Fig for the first time
7steps
Start with a simple and low-maintenance approach to growing Sea Fig.
- 1
What you'll need
A small plant or seeds, a pot or garden bed, good quality soil.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant in spring when the weather starts warming up.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use well-draining soil; for containers, choose one with drainage holes. For gardens, prepare a sunny spot with sandy or medium soil.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants or sow seeds directly into the prepared soil. Space them about 30 cm apart.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly to avoid waterlogging, but ensure the soil doesn't dry out completely.
- 6
Ongoing care
Water only when the soil is very dry and provide full sun exposure. Prune occasionally to maintain shape.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune in late winter to early spring to encourage new growth and remove any dead leaves.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: The Sea Fig (Carpobrotus aequilaterus) is both drought-tolerant and hardy, thriving in various soil types from sandy to medium. Its fruit and leaves are edible, often harvested for their tangy flavor. The fruit can be eaten raw or used in jams, while the leaves may be added fresh to salads or cooked as a vegetable.
Other uses:Fire retardantErosion control
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 6 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 6 introducedDistribution across1 continent· 4 native· 6 introduced
Europe1 region
introduced (1)Spain
Broader regions
native:South Australia, Victoria, Western Australia, New South Wales
introduced:Mexico Northeast, New Zealand North, New Zealand South, Tasmania
IXSpecimen gallery
1 image
Specimen gallery
1 imageXSee also
8 related
See also
8 relatedPlants you might compare or use together — scored by shared family (Caryophyllaceae), common use cases, and growing requirements.
same family · Caryophyllaceae
Botanical relatives — often share phytochemistry + growing needs.
XI
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Companion planting
Compare with similar plants
Growing zone
XII
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Back to the cataloguePlant id · cd16ed5c-f7ee-4db2-89e8-cc6338ed78d2
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