Botanical Name:Carpobrotus rossii
Family: Aizoaceae
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Eudicots
Order: Caryophyllales
Genus: Carpobrotus
Species: C. rossii
Common Names: Karkalla, Pig face (Western Australia), Carpobrotus and Beach bananas
Habitat:
Karkalla occurs in the states of Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria. It can be found year-round in large patches covering sand dunes close to the ocean, due to its hardy nature and salt resistance.
Description:
Karkalla is a perennial ever green plant, growing to 0.2 m (0ft 8in) by 1 m (3ft 3in). The species is hermaphrodite (has both male and female organs). It’s leaves are thick, flowers are purple daisy like with white centre. They bloom during summer.This plant hugs the ground as it roots from each node. Edible flowers and leaves. Gaining popularity in public spaces. Spreads up to 2m wide.
Suitable for: light (sandy), medium (loamy) and heavy (clay) soils and prefers well-drained soil. Suitable pH: acid, neutral and basic (alkaline) soils. It can grow in semi-shade (light woodland) or no shade. It prefers dry or moist soil and can tolerate drought.
Cultivation:
Carpobrotus rossii is a plant of warm temperate regions in southern Australia, growing mainly in coastal regions. It is not very cold-hardy, but can tolerate short periods with temperatures falling to around -2°c.
Requires a well-drained sandy soil in a sunny position. Established plants are very drought resistant. Very resistant to wind and salt spray.
The fleshy plant is moderately fire-retardant.
A vigorous prostrate plant, rooting as it spreads. The flowers only open in the afternoon.
Propagation:
Seed – surface sow early spring to early summer in a greenhouse. Lower night-time temperatures are beneficial. The seed usually germinates in 7 – 10 days at 23°c. When they are large enough to handle, prick the seedlings out into individual pots and grow them on in a greenhouse for at least their first winter. Plant them out into their permanent positions in late spring or early summer, after the last expected frosts.
Cuttings at any time during the growing season. Allow the cutting to dry in the sun for a day or two then pot up in a very sandy mix. Very easy
Medicinal Uses: Extracts of the plant have significant in vitro antioxidant, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory activity
Edible Uses: Aboriginal people eat the fruit traditionally, fresh and dried. The salty leaves were also reported to have been eaten with meat.
Agroforestry Uses:
Species in this genus have a vigorous, prostrate growth habit, producing a dense carpet of foliage and making a very effective ground cover. They can be planted in maritime areas, especially in Mediterranean climates, in order to prevent soil erosion in sandy soils, dunes and on banks.
The plant has very fleshy leaves and is moderately fire-resistant. It can be used in barrier plantings to prevent the spread of forest fires
Disclaimer : The information presented herein is intended for educational purposes only. Individual results may vary, and before using any supplement, it is always advisable to consult with your own health care provider.
Resources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carpobrotus_rossii
https://pfaf.org/user/Plant.aspx?LatinName=Carpobrotus+rossii
http://temperate.theferns.info/plant/Carpobrotus+rossii
