The Hottentot Fig, Carpobrotus edulis, is a succulent plant from South Africa. It is also known as sour fig, ice plant, and highway ice plant. This perennial has spread widely beyond its native range, thriving in coastal environments across many continents. It forms dense, creeping mats, especially in Mediterranean climates.
Identifying the Hottentot Fig Plant and Fruit
The Hottentot Fig plant is easily identified by its succulent foliage and growth habit. Its leaves are thick, fleshy, and triangular in cross-section, typically growing to lengths of 4 to 12 cm and widths of 1 to 1.5 cm. These leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, often appearing bright green, sometimes tinged with red, especially as they age or during cooler seasons. The plant forms dense, mat-like ground cover, with stems that creep along the surface and root at their nodes.
Large, daisy-like flowers, measuring 4.5 to 10 cm in diameter, are a prominent feature. These flowers can be vibrant yellow, fading to pale pink, or even pinkish-purple, usually with a yellow center. They typically open in bright sunlight during the morning and close at night. The fruit develops into a fleshy, indehiscent capsule, meaning it does not split open at maturity, and is often described as fig-like in appearance.
When ripe, the fruit measures around 3.5 cm in diameter and transitions from green to a yellowish-red color, becoming fragrant. The outer skin may also become wrinkled and leathery. Inside, the fruit contains numerous small, dark, rough seeds embedded within a sticky, gelatinous mucilage or pulp. This internal structure distinguishes it from common figs, which are botanically different.
Edibility and Culinary Uses
The fruit of the Hottentot Fig is edible when ripe. It has a sour, tangy, and sometimes slightly salty or subtly sweet flavor. Its texture includes fleshy pulp and many small seeds suspended within a sticky, jelly-like mucilage. To determine ripeness, the fruit should feel soft to the touch and typically turn yellow or reddish.
For fresh consumption, it is recommended to peel the outer, somewhat astringent skin to access the inner pulp and seeds. The fruit can be eaten raw as a refreshing, tangy snack. In South Africa, the fruit is traditionally consumed.
Beyond raw consumption, Hottentot Fig fruit has several culinary applications. It is used to make jams, jellies, and chutneys, where its tartness adds a distinct flavor. The fruit can also be processed into syrups or fruit drinks.
Some preparations involve drying the fruit for preservation. When making jams or jellies, pectin may need to be added to achieve the desired consistency. The fruit’s flavor also makes it suitable for incorporation into salad dressings or other savory dishes.
Nutritional Profile and Traditional Uses
The Hottentot Fig fruit contains vitamin C and antioxidants, beneficial for overall health. The succulent leaves also possess antioxidant properties and can be consumed, though they have an astringent taste.
Historically, the Hottentot Fig has been used by indigenous communities in South Africa for food and medicine. Its name reflects its traditional culinary use by the Khoi people. Ripe fruits were gathered and eaten fresh or prepared into tart jams.
In traditional medicine, the plant’s fruits and leaves were used. Juice from the leaves was applied externally for skin conditions like cuts, eczema, insect bites, and sunburn, due to its antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Internally, diluted leaf sap treated digestive problems, sore throats, and mouth infections. This history highlights the plant’s cultural significance and health benefits in its native regions.
Ecological Considerations and Management
While the Hottentot Fig offers edible fruit and traditional uses, it is known for its invasive nature outside its native South Africa. Introduced as an ornamental plant and for erosion control, especially in coastal areas, its rapid growth and resilience cause significant ecological impacts. The plant forms dense, impenetrable mats up to 50 cm deep, smothering and outcompeting native vegetation. This aggressive growth displaces local flora, reducing biodiversity and threatening rare or endangered species.
The Hottentot Fig alters soil characteristics in invaded habitats by increasing nitrogen and organic content and reducing soil pH. These changes can exclude native plants requiring different soil conditions, disrupting natural ecosystems. Its ability to spread vegetatively through rooting stems and via seeds dispersed by animals contributes to its rapid colonization.
Managing Hottentot Fig is challenging, especially in sensitive environments like coastal dunes. Control efforts involve manual removal, though this can be labor-intensive and may lead to soil erosion if not followed by revegetation with native species. Chemical control methods using herbicides are also employed, but their use requires careful consideration to minimize environmental impact, especially in protected habitats. Due to its aggressive spread and ecological damage, the Hottentot Fig is listed as a noxious weed or invasive species in many regions, and its planting is often restricted or illegal.