Carpobrotus Acinaciformis
Taxonomy:
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Carpobrotus acinaciformis in Algeria: The Sprawling Succulent of Coastal and Dune Ecosystems
Carpobrotus acinaciformis is a succulent, mat-forming perennial originally from South Africa.It has distinct triangular, sabre-shaped leaves and bright magenta daisy like flowers.
Introduction
Carpobrotus acinaciformis is a robust, trailing succulent in the Aizoaceae family, commonly known as Hottentot-fig or “sour fig.” Though native to South Africa, it has become naturalized in many Mediterranean regions, including Algeria, where its vigorous, mat-forming growth can impact local ecosystems. This plant attracts attention not only for its spectacular magenta flowers and fleshy leaves, but also for its ecological implications, traditional medicinal uses, and role in erosion control.Synonyms
Abryanthemum acinaciforme
Mesembryanthemum acinaciforme
Carpobrotus concavus
Carpobrotus laevigatus
Carpobrotus rubrocinctus
Carpobrotus vanzijliae
Mesembryanthemum laevigatum
Mesembryanthemum rubrocinctum
Mesembryanthemum subalatumHow to Identify Carpobrotus acinaciformis?
Carpobrotus acinaciformis is a perennial plant from the Aizoaceae family, is a fast-growing, creeping succulent plant widely used as an ornamental plant in gardens and up to 2 meters tall. The flowers are solitary, pink-purple. Flowers bloom in the morning in bright sunlight, and close at night. Flowering occurs depending on the climate but mainly in spring and summer. A fruit is edible
Habit & Stems: A creeping, mat-forming succulent perennial. Stems trail along the ground and can root at nodes, forming dense mats.
Leaves: Fleshy, triangular in cross-section (isosceles triangle shape), often “sabre-shaped” or curved. Leaves are robust, about 5 to 8 cm long in many cases, with a glaucous-green color, sometimes with reddish tinges.
Flowers: Large daisy-like flowers, bright magenta / purple (sometimes pink), up to 7–12 cm in diameter. Petals are many, and they open in bright sun.
Fruit: The fruit is a fleshy “fig”-like succulent capsule, semi-globose, turning reddish or brown; internally mushy with many small seeds.
Root System: Shallow but extensive; stems root easily at nodes, helping the plant spread aggressively.
|
Type
Of Plant |
Life
Cycle |
Height |
Flowering
Time |
Altitude |
|
Herbaceous |
Perennial |
10 to 70 cm |
Mar to July |
0 - 200 m |
|
Mediterranean |
Edible |
Color |
Abundance |
Toxicity |
|
Yes |
Yes |
Pink/Purple |
Very-common |
No |
Other
Common Name:
|
Arabic |
Berber/Targui |
English |
French |
Other
Name |
|
Sbaa L-Aroussa |
|
Sally-my-handsome |
Griffe de sorciéres |
Pigface /Ice plant |
Botanical Characteristics
Life Form: Succulent perennial subshrub.
Growth: It can spread rapidly forming wide groundcover mats, especially in coastal or disturbed sandy areas.
Adaptation: Very tolerant of salt spray, poor soils, sandy coastal environments.
Reproduction: Both by seed (fruit) and vegetative via stem rooting.
Phenology: Flowering often in warm seasons when exposed to bright sun; stems persist year-round in mild climates.Algerian Distribution & Where to Find It in Algeria
According to the EPPO Global Database, Carpobrotus acinaciformis is present in Algeria.
This means it is likely naturalized / introduced rather than native. EPPO lists it as non-native in many Mediterranean areas.
Potential Habitats in Algeria: Given its ecology, one would expect to find it in coastal dunes, sandy beaches, rocky coastal scrub, and disturbed coastal gardens, especially in Algerian Mediterranean coastal zones, promenades, dunes or sea cliffs.
Survey Tips: For botanists or enthusiasts in Algeria, check northern coastal provinces (Tipaza, Bejaia, Oran) for creeping mats of succulent groundcover. Look especially around sandy dunes, stabilized slopes, and landscaped sea-fronts.Related species:
§ Carpobrotus aequilaterus
§ Carpobrotus chilensis
§ Carpobrotus deliciosus
§ Carpobrotus glaucescens
§ Carpobrotus virescens
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