07 February 2008

Sour figs

posted by Paul
Carpobrotus Edulis, Sour FigThe Sour Fig, affectionately know as Carpobrotus Edulis by the horticultural world, is one of the common plant species that you'll see in and around the Cape Peninsula. This succulent plant seems to like the hot weather and African sun almost as much as we do. Interestingly, the Wikipedia article seems to hold a low weed-like impression of the species, describing ways in which this invasive plant can be removed from the soil.

Contrary to the tone of the article, I really like the plant. I would imagine that the rapid-spreading mat-like structure it forms helps a great deal to prevent the erosion of our sand dunes... and oh, the bright flowers dotted among the deep green leaves are kinda pretty as well.

4 Comments:

Blogger Kate said...

It looks very delicate rather than the hardy plant that it must be.

08 February 2008 05:17  
Blogger Pat said...

I really like the flower of the sour fig. Love your photo today.


Pat

Guelph Daily Photo, My Photos.

08 February 2008 05:51  
Blogger Neva said...

I have never seen this but it does not look like a weed! Queen Ann Lace is very pretty (I think it is part of the carrot family?) and it is definitely thought of as a weed but I have it in my garden because it is pretty. The green looks lovely after all the snow we have had!

08 February 2008 04:07  
Blogger Mike said...

Hello from New York! Very nice photos you have here.

08 February 2008 08:59  

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