Carpobrotus edulis
Carpobrotis edulis
Afrikaans: Suurvy
English: Sour fig
isiXhosa: Gcukuma
Description and diagnostic features
It is a succulent smooth leafed sprawling plant that mostly grows on sandy soils. The outer edges of the leaves have a red tinge. The flowers are yellow. Sometimes the old shrivelling flowers have a pink hue. A different species has bright pink flowers.
Part used
Leaves and fruits.
Uses
Chewing the leaves will immediately give relief to a sore throat.
It is fine to swallow the juice.
Fruits are cooked up with sugar and water to make a pleasant healing jam.
Warning
It will only treat the sore throat of a cold but not relieve the rest of cold and flu symptoms.
Habitat
Well drained sandy soils.
Propagation
It is easily propagated by placing a stolon with leaves on the soil.
