Other ice plants
Several Carpobrotus and hybrids look similar.
Use the botanical sourceCulinary reference
Sour fig.
Carpobrotus edulis
Also found as Hottentot fig · Ice plant
A trailing coastal succulent with three-sided leaves, large yellow to pink flowers and sour, sticky fruits.
Sources checked 27 September 2026 · Specialist field review pending
Before any gathering or use
Leaf juice is used on skin in traditional practice; confirm the species.
Where it grows
Tracked records and known growing zone
- Verified records
- 14,685
- People who recorded it
- 7,856
- Most records (northern hemisphere)
- Mar–Jun
- Records span
- 1978–2026
| January | 470 |
|---|---|
| February | 484 |
| March | 863 |
| April | 1807 |
| May | 1623 |
| June | 738 |
| July | 498 |
| August | 419 |
| September | 366 |
| October | 398 |
| November | 347 |
| December | 344 |
| January | 304 |
|---|---|
| February | 176 |
| March | 256 |
| April | 1195 |
| May | 490 |
| June | 222 |
| July | 272 |
| August | 356 |
| September | 843 |
| October | 1213 |
| November | 638 |
| December | 363 |
Research-grade iNaturalist records, snapshot Aug 27, 2026. The growing zone combines areas where different people have repeatedly verified it. Records show where people looked and found it, not current abundance or permission to gather.
01 / Learn to see
Field marks
- 01
Mat-forming succulent with three-angled, fleshy leaves.
- 02
Large flowers with many narrow petals, yellow fading to pink.
- 03
Fleshy fruits with sticky, sour pulp.
These are study prompts, not a complete identification key. Confirm the full plant with a regional flora and an experienced local identifier.
02 / Resolve the differences
Look closely. Compare.
Selected comparisons only. Other lookalikes may occur locally.
03 / Meet the place
Habitat & season
Range context
Native to South Africa; invasive on coasts in California, Australia and the Mediterranean.
Watch the plant stage
Fruits ripen in summer.
Stage guidance is not a local forecast. Check your climate, elevation and a regional source; no month-shift formula is used here.
04 / Gather with care
Documented use & care
Parts discussed: Fruit
Suck sour pulp from ripe fruit or make jam.
Care for the patch
Invasive outside southern Africa; do not spread cuttings.
Preparation & storage essentials05 / Follow the evidence
Sources & review
- Wikipedia · Carpobrotus edulisBotanical description, range and documented use
- iNaturalist · Carpobrotus edulisTaxonomy and verified observation records
Checked 27 September 2026. Original editorial synthesis; source institutions have not reviewed or endorsed this guide. Independent botanical field review is pending. Photos illustrate specimens; they do not certify the identity of a plant you find.
Suggest a correction