Ornatec InternationalSpecies reference sheet ยท ornatecinternational.com
Carpobrotus edulis
Hottentot Fig
Few ground covers hold a dune the way Carpobrotus edulis does. The Hottentot Fig is a South African coastal succulent whose fleshy three-angled leaves form a dense mat over sand and rubble, flushing red under drought stress, and whose large daisy-like flowers open yellow and age through to pink.
It is used for dune stabilisation, embankments, roadside batters and any exposed coastal ground where irrigation is not on offer.
Specifications
- Height0.15 to 0.3 metres
- Widthspreads 2 to 3 metres or more per plant
- Native toCoastal South Africa, in the Western and Eastern Cape
- FoliageFleshy, three-angled succulent leaves, grey-green flushing red in drought; evergreen
- Growth rateFast
Conditions
- SoilPrefers sandy, free-draining soils and tolerates poor, stony and saline ground
- LightFull sun
- WaterLow; highly drought-tolerant once established
- ClimateThrives in Mediterranean, coastal and semi-arid regions
Additional Features
- FlowersLarge daisy-like flowers opening yellow and ageing to pink, spring into summer
- UsesIdeal for dune stabilisation, embankments and batters, coastal ground cover and roadside slopes
- SpacingPlant 0.5 to 1 metre apart for cover within a season
- Low MaintenanceNeeds no irrigation once away; trim back where it oversteps a bed edge
- Pest ResistanceRobust and generally free of pests
- Drought ToleranceSurvives extended rainless periods on stored leaf moisture
- Salt ToleranceTolerates salt spray and saline sands on exposed coastlines
- Erosion ControlDense rooting mat binds loose sand and unstable batters
The Hottentot Fig is the default answer for holding bare coastal sand together with no water and no maintenance budget.
Availability by project review. Sizes, quantities, origin and export readiness are confirmed after your plant schedule is reviewed against destination, timing and quarantine requirements. MEWA certified for supply into Saudi Arabia; Australian Export Registered Establishment.
Enquiries: sales@ornatecinternational.com
310 Donkin Rd, Utchee Creek QLD 4871, Australia
Prepared 09 September 2026