Hottentot fig
Carpobrotus edulis
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Photo credit: ©RPS group Plc
Carpobrotus edulis
Origin and Distribution:
Impacts:
How did it get here?
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Prevent Spread:
Carpobrotus edulis
Habitat:
Description:
- Full sun sandy ground, on loose sand dunes or cliffs been able to tolerate increased salt concentrations.
Description:
- It is a spreading flat growing succulent, forming dense mats
- Roots from the nodes with horizontal stems that curve upwards
- Numerous leaves arise from the stems which are triangular in shape
- Grass green in colour with magenta or yellow solitary flowers having a yellow centre
Origin and Distribution:
- Originally from South Africa but the species has been introduced to many parts of the world and Europe as an ornamental
- The species is becoming of more concern where it is behaving in an invasive manner and out competing native plant species
Impacts:
- Forms dense monospecific thickets leading to the loss of biodiversity threatening smaller and often rare species
- Negative impacts on the natural processes of disturbance and change in dune environments while also reducing the pH of the soil and thus impacting on the nutrient cycling
How did it get here?
- Intentional introduction as garden ornamental.
Is it found in Northern Ireland?
- It is found in Northern Ireland. More distribution information can be found on the NBN Atlas NI.
You can help by reporting any sightings: @ the Centre for Environmental Data & Recording (CEDaR) - Or via the iRecord App.
Prevent Spread:
- Promote native species and biodiversity - use alternative, native plants
- Know what you are buying/growing and source native Irish seed and plants
- Do not swap plants and cuttings
- Follow control advice and watch out for hitchhikers - inspect new imported purchases for invasive pests and pathogens
- Never collect plants from the wild
- Safe disposal of plant material and growing media
- Report all sightings.
NIEA ID Guide Carpobrotus edulis Hottentot fig