Carpobrotus edulis, commonly known as the sour fig or highway ice plant, is a ground covering succulent in the ice plant family, Aizoaceae. C. edulis is native to South Africa where it prolifically covers coastal sand dunes. The perennial plant can send out horizontal shoots that grow 3 feet per year, resulting in 165 foot wide colonies. The bright green leaves tend to turn red at the tips with more sun exposure. The triangle finger-like leaves only measure about 2 inches in height each. C. edulis blooms in April to October with 2 to 6 inch diameter bright yellow flowers that have feathery petals. This species is grown as an ornamental plant for ground cover and showy flowers. The flowers, fruits, and leaves are all edible with the leaves being more for medicinal use to combat digestive issues and topically as a lotion. Carpobrotus edulis grows best in full sun to partial shade, sitting in well-draining soils. Water the plant adequately during summer and sparingly during the winter. It is a drought-tolerant species and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Allow the soil to completely dry out in between waterings. USDA plant hardiness zones 8a to 11b.
Carpobrotus edulis seeds require consistent moisture and humidity to germinate, but the soil should not remain soaking wet. Cloning boxes, ziplock bags, and other containers that retain humidity are ideal to store sown pots. Use a well-draining sterilized soil mix. Seeds should be sown directly on top of the potting mixture and lightly covered with a thin layer of sand or potting mix, just enough to cover the seeds. Germinating pots should be kept indoors, out of extreme light and heat. Ideal germination temperatures range from 70°F to 80°F. Germination typically takes 1 to 3 weeks to occur. Even with optimal conditions, germination may be slow and sporadic.
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All packages will be shipped with basic customs information such as; HS codes, VAT numbers, and properly labeled contents. Unfortunately, The Garden of Set is unable to provide phytosanitary certificates for orders at this time. It is the buyer’s responsibility to know local laws regarding the import of plants, seeds, and plant products into their country. It is also up to the buyer to provide any other customs forms or information required to import plants into their country. If packages get stopped by customs, The Garden of Set will not be able to provide a refund for the purchase. Most of the time packages make it to their destinations just fine, this is for the small minority of packages that get stopped without having all the proper customs information required by the country of import. Purchase at your own discretion.