Carpobrotus acinaciformis

Carpobrotus acinaciformis is a succulent perennial of the family Aizoaceae, native to South Africa.

Description

All species of Carpobrotus form sprawling succulent groundcovers.
The flowers of C. acinaciformis are a bright pink-purple colour.
The five calyx lobes are all short, and of relatively similar length.
The receptacle is sub-globose in shape, tapering only slightly down to where it meets the stalk.
The top of the ovary is often slightly depressed in the centre.
The leaves of C. acinaciformis are stout, scimitar-shaped and have the shape of an isosceles triangle in cross-section, if cut perpendicularly.
They have a dull glaucous-green colour.

Distribution

This species is naturally endemic to the Western Cape, South Africa.
Its natural habitat is coastal dunes, from as far north as Melkbosstrand, across the Cape Peninsula, and eastwards to near Mossel Bay.
It also occurs more rarely inland, from Cape Town to as far east as Riversdale.
To the east of its natural range, it transitions into the related species Carpobrotus deliciosus. To the west or north of its natural range, it transitions into the related species Carpobrotus quadrifidus.

Cultivation

The pink or purple flowers are very showy and the plant is frequently cultivated, especially in mild coastal climates. Its fruits are edible and are used in southern Africa to make a traditional jam. In the wild they are grazed by tortoises and other southern African herbivores.
In some areas, such as the south-west of England, it has become naturalised on sea cliffs and can outcompete native species.
The name "Sally-my-handsome" is derived from its former generic name of Mesembryanthemum.