Ice Plant

The Ice Plant Carpobrotus edulis is a member of the Stone Plant family Aizoaceae, one of about 30 species in the genus Carpobrotus. It is also known as the Pigface or Hottentot Fig. It was previously classified in genus Mesembryanthemum and is sometimes referred to by this name. The name "Ice Plant" is sometimes also used for other related plant species.

The Ice Plant is a native of South Africa. Its succulent foliage, bright magenta or yellow flowers, and resistance to some harsh coastal climatic conditions make it a favoured garden plant; because it forms a carpet-like mass, it has been used for stabilising embankments. However, because it forms weak roots, entire masses of it can slide off slopes. The fruit is edible. In several parts of the world, notably Australia, California and the Mediterranean, the Ice Plant has escaped from cultivation and has become an invasive species and poses a serious ecological problem.

Control of Ice Plants can be attempted by pulling out individual plants by hand, though it is necessary to remove buried stems, and mulch the soil to prevent re-establishment. It is claimed that large mats can be removed by rolling them up like a carpet. For chemical control, glyphosate herbicides are used.

External links

• http://www.hear.org/pier/species/carpobrotus_edulis.htm