Carpobrotus

Taxobox
name = "Carpobrotus"

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image_width = 240px
image_caption = "Carpobrotus edulis"
regnum = Plantae
phylum = Magnoliophyta
classis = Magnoliopsida
ordo = Caryophyllales
familia = Aizoaceae
genus = "Carpobrotus"
subdivision_ranks = Species
subdivision = "C. acinaciformis" "C. aequilaterus" "C. chilensis" "C. edulis" "C. glaucescens" "C. modestus" "C. rossii" "C. virescens" and others

Carpobrotus is a genus of ground-creeping plants, with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The name refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Greek "karpos" (fruit) and "brota" (edible).

There are about 25 species in this genus, having a disperse distribution worldwide. They are mostly South African, but there is one species in South America, another in California and Oregon [ [http://plants.usda.gov/java/profile?symbol=CACH38 USDA Plant Profile Carpobrotus] ] , and four in Australia (NSW Flora Online). Common names include ice plant and pigface. On of the subdivisions of Carpobrotus, "C. glaucescens", is noted for having salty fruit, a rare property in fruits. [ [http://www.abc.net.au/science/articles/2008/06/11/2271070.htm?site=science/askanexpert&topic=enviro Is there a salty fresh fruit?] ]

Ground Cover

Carpobrotus acinaciformis, also referred to in the United States as the Icicle Plant, Strand Ivy, Cape Fig Hottentots Fig, and Sour Fig, is often used for ground cover due to its fast growth, ground hugging characteristics, and resistance to fire [ [http://72.14.253.104/search?q=cache:qmf6k1Y4jjwJ:www.plantzafrica.com/medmonographs/carpobrotacina.pdf+carpobrotus+acinaciforme&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=7&gl=us&client=firefox-a African Succulent Plants] ] . Carpobrotus is also drought resistant.

Medicinal Properties

Carpobrotus juice (from leaves) can be used as a mild astringent. When mixed with water the juice can be used to treat diarrhea, dysentery and stomach cramps. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throat and laryngitis, and mild bacterial infections of the mouth [ [http://www.plantzafrica.com/plantcd/carpobed.htm Uses & Cultural Aspects] ] The leaf juice can also be used externally, much like Aloe Vera for burns, abrasions, open cuts, grazes, mosquito bites and sunburn. It is also used to treat ringworm, eczema, dermatitis, herpes, thrush, cold sores, cracked lips, chafing, skin conditions and allergies.

An ancient remedy for constipation is to eat the fruit with brackish water. Syrup made from the fruit is said to have laxative properties. A mixture of leaf juice, honey and olive oil in water is an old remedy for TB.

Gallery

References

External links

* [http://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=gn&name=Carpobrotus NSW Flora online - Carpobrotus]