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Sea Fig
Carpobrotus chilensis
37.4492, -122.266
Field Notes
Description:
The Sea Fig is an introduced invasive species that is native to Southern Africa. It is similar too and sometimes mistaken for its relative, the "ice plant". It is hardy and can withstand disturbance by humans, thus making it a threat to coastal ecosystems where it has invaded. The Sea Fig has long stems and fleshy, pointed leaves which are triangular in cross-section. Its flowers are magenta and are smaller than those of the ice plant.
Habitat:
Its native habitat is Southern Africa. It grows on coastal and inland slopes from Namaqualand in the Northern Cape through the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape. It is often seen as a pioneer in disturbed sites.
Notes:
It was brought to California along with the ice plant in the early 1900's from south Africa to stabilize soil along railroad tracks, and was later put to use by Caltrans for similar purposes. Thousands of acres were planted in California until the 1970s. It easily spreads by seed (hundreds per fruit) and from segmentation (any shoot segment can produce roots).
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