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GENERAL
Origin
:
Mediterranean
Vigour
:
fast growing
Humidity
:
very arid, semi-
arid, semi-humid
Propagation :
sowing and
pricking out,
cuttings
Maintenance :
moderate
CONDITIONS
Urban climate :
resistant
Dessication :
resistant
Stagnant water :
vulnerable
Irrigation
:
low
Salinity/ppm :
very high (8000
ppm)
Hardiness
:
0°C
SHAPE
Type
:
sub-shrub
Height
:
0.15 m
Spread
:
2 m
Foliage
:
evergreen
FLOWER
Colour
:
pink, lilac, light
yellow
Size
:
10 cm - 15 cm
Period
:
March - June
FRUIT
Type of fruit :
capsule
Fruit size
:
2 cm
The Red Hottentot Fig, or hay alam in Arabic, originates in South Africa, but is now naturalised
in regions with a Mediterranean climate, where it may become invasive. It withstands coastal
conditions such as high winds and salinity. Not always successful in Arriyadh, C. acinaciformis
suffers frost damage during cold winters and often dieback, requiring replanting from time to
time. Shoots form mats of upright, succulent leaves. The foliage is sharply angled. It is fresh green
when young, turning dull green later on, and may become red with age. The pink or magenta,
daisy-like flowers, 15 cm in diameter, are highly ornamental. The flowering climax is late spring
to early summer, but intermediate flowers may appear all year round. A large number of seeds
develop in sweet, sticky fruits that ripen from August to September when they turn yellow and
emit a sweet scent. Soil should be well drained. Watering should be moderate during warm
weather. In winter, irrigation should be just enough to keep the plants from withering. If con-
ditions are suitable, the shoots keep growing without dormancy up to one metre per year. They
should be protected against frost, and overwatering may also result in loss of the plant, owing
to fungus disease causing stem rot. The Red Hottentot Fig does well in erosion control planting,
as a groundcover in rock gardens and in all areas with low maintenance, although bare patches
require replanting with cuttings. Roots may be aggressive, competing for water with shrubs and
trees in the same area.
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Carpobrotus acinaciformis,
Aizoaceae
Red Hottentot-Fig,
hay alam