Pig's Face
Disphyma australefam. Caryophyllaceae
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Pl. 89B9 — Disphyma australe
Disphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australeDisphyma australe
IOverview
Overview
Pig's Face (Disphyma australe) is a perennial plant native to the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, New Zealand North Island, and South Island. This low-growing succulent, often found in dry or moist, light soil conditions, thrives under full sun. Known for its edible properties, Pig's Face can be enjoyed as both fruit and leaves. Its distinctive feature lies in its unique appearance, which has earned it the common name "Pig's Face" due to its fleshy, pig-like leaves. This plant is hardy in zones 8-11 and adds a touch of interest to any garden with its unusual foliage.
Quick answers
What is Pig's Face?
Pig's Face (Disphyma australe) is a perennial plant native to the Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, New Zealand North Island, and South Island. This low-growing succulent, often found in dry or moist, light soil conditions, thrives under full sun.
Growingconditions · propagation · uses
VCultivation
Cultivation
Pig's Face thrives in full sun and prefers light to medium soil that is either dry or moist. It can grow up to 0.1 meters tall and is a perennial plant. Hardy in zones 8-11, it requires minimal watering once established. Propagate through seeds or cuttings. The edible parts include the fruit and leaves, making it useful both for ornamental and culinary purposes.
Light
Full sun
Water
Dry, Moist
Soil
Light (sandy), Medium
Hardiness
8-11
Life cycle
Perennial
Mature size
0.1 m tall
For first-time growers
How to grow Pig's Face for the first time
7steps
Start with Pig's Face as a simple, low-maintenance addition to your garden.
- 1
What you'll need
Disphyma australe plants or seeds, well-draining soil, and a sunny spot in the garden.
- 2
Best time to plant
Plant Pig's Face in spring when temperatures are mild and stable.
- 3
Soil and container prep
Use a light, sandy soil mix with good drainage. Ensure containers have holes for excess water to escape.
- 4
Sowing or transplanting
Transplant young plants from nursery pots into the garden or sow seeds directly where you want them to grow.
- 5
First two weeks
Water sparingly, allowing the soil to dry out between watering. Keep an eye on pests and diseases.
- 6
Ongoing care
Pig's Face prefers full sun but can tolerate some light shade. Water only when necessary, especially in dry spells.
- 7
Harvest or pruning
Prune back any dead or damaged leaves to encourage new growth and maintain the plant’s shape.
VIEdible & utility
Edible & utility
Edible parts:FruitLeaves
Edible uses: Pig's Face is eaten in its native range of Chatham Islands, Kermadec Islands, New Zealand North, and South. The leaves and fruit can be consumed fresh or dried. They are often used raw in salads for their mild flavor.
Contextrange · companions · related
VIIDistribution
4 native · 0 introduced
Distribution
4 native · 0 introducedDistribution across0 continents· 4 native
Broader regions
native:Chatham Is., Kermadec Is., New Zealand South, New Zealand North
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 · 89b9f792-b665-4b53-a889-26843118ec9e
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