Family: Aizoaceae
Common Name: Hottentot Fig

This genus of around 30 species of succulents is native to South Africa, Australia and North and South America. All of the species are prostrate plants forming large mats of three-sided, fleshy leaves, which makes them very useful as sand-binding plants. they are also grown for their edible fruit and abundant large, brightly coloured spring and summer flowers. Mostly purplish, the flowers can also be bright pink and occasionally yellow.

Species

C. acinaciformis, native to South Africa's Natal and Cape Province, has large, grayish green, sabre-shaped leaves and huge, crimson-purple flowers, 12 cm (5 in) across. This species has become naturalized in various warm coastal areas of the world and is splendid in full bloom.

C. edulis, also from Cape Province and Natal, has become naturalized in California and parts of Australia. This spreading species makes an excellent sand-binder. It has dull green foliage and large, yellow flowers, turning pinkish. This species has edible fruit.

C. glaucescens, native to eastern Australia and Norfolk Island, is also a spreading plant, with reddish stems, blueish leaves and light purple flowers.

Cultivation

In areas prone to frost, grow in pots in a cool greenhouse, or use outdoors as summer display or bedding plants. Outdoors, these succulents grow almost anywhere in poor, sandy soils. They need full sun to open their flowers. Propagate from stem cuttings in summer.

Climate

Zone 9.