CARPOBROTUS quadrifidus

Undoubtedly a really interesting form of Carpobrotus, robust perennial succulent, of South African origin. Fast developing, it has a ground cover habit: even though it rises only a few centimeters from the ground level, it manages to colonize large areas over time. It is formed by numerous branched stems and prostrate posture, on which fleshy, glaucous-colored leaves are inserted, with a characteristic triangular section and ordered orthogonal phyllotaxis. In late spring, this highly original carpet is covered with large deep pink flowers, whose corolla is made up of very thin petals. The botanical name derives from the Greek and means "edible fruit"; the common name "fig of the Hottentots" instead, derives from the custom of the ancient South African people of the "Hottentots" to eat the fruits of this plant, just as if they were figs.

It's necessary to guarantee it a sunny position and a poor, sandy and perfectly drained soil. Tolerant of drought and saltiness of coastal areas, it is instead necessary to choose a sheltered position or to guarantee a shelter where winters were characterized by intense and lasting cold. In spring it may be useful to remove old or dry branches or cluttered ones and perhaps shorten the various stems with a slight topping to stimulate a more dense development of the plant. It can grow very well on terraces and balconies inside pots or containers that it can dress by virtue of its drooping posture; in the open ground, choose it for our rocks or even to cover the base of cacti or other succulents.