Aizoaceae: Fig Marigold (Iceplant) Family
Baby Sun-rose – Aptenia cordifolia
Blooms:
Apr–May
Stem length:
30–60 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
South Africa
Habitat:
Disturbed places, margins of coastal wetlands
Notes:
Sea Fig – Carpobrotus chilensis
Blooms:
All year
Stem length:
2–3 m
Flower Size:
Large
Origin:
South Africa
Invasive?
Yes – moderate
Habitat:
Coastal bluffs & sand dunes
Notes:
This is less invasive than Hottentot Fig (Carpobrotus edulis, see below) and has smaller, rose-magenta flowers with petals 1–2.5 cm. These leaves are noticeably triangular in cross-section, not serrated towards tip, and generally smaller than those of Hottentot Fig.
Hottenot Fig – Carpobrotus edulis
Blooms:
All year
Stem length:
2–3 m
Flower Size:
Large
Origin:
South Africa
Invasive?
Yes – high
Habitat:
Coastal bluffs & sand dunes
Notes:
One of the highly invasive, common iceplants found on the dunes. Yellow flowers, often turning pink with age. Petals 3–4 cm. Leaves are noticeably triangular in cross-section, tiny serrations near tip. At one time, this was commonly planted as a dune stabilizer. Now, it is being removed in some areas, with great difficulty.
Conicosia – Conicosia pugioniformis
Blooms:
May–Oct
Plant Height:
< 30 cm
Flower Size:
Large
Origin:
South Africa
Invasive?
Yes – limited
Habitat:
Coastal bluffs & dunes
Notes:
Much less common than Hottentot Fig or Sea Fig (Carpobrotus edulis & chilensis, see above) though still invasive. It has shiny, bright yellow flowers with linear petals, which are ciliate in the lower half. Leaves are linear, roundish in cross-section, up to 20 cm long. Fruit dries into a conical nut. Photos #3-4 by CJH.
Magic Carpet – Drosanthemum floribundum
Blooms:
Apr–June
Stem length:
10–20 cm
Flower Size:
Small
Origin:
South Africa
Habitat:
Coastal Scrub
Notes:
This is marked by a multitude of small, pinkish-purple flowers and very small, fleshy leaves. A related bright red species, Royal Dewflower (Drosanthemum speciosum, not shown), is found along 17 Mile Drive. Very common in Pacific Grove, where it has become something of a symbol of the town’s landscape. Photo #1 by CJH.
Common Iceplant – Mesembryanthemum crystallinum
Blooms:
Mar–Oct
Plant Height:
Trailing
Flower Size:
Medium
Origin:
South Africa
Invasive?
Yes – moderate
Habitat:
Saline places near coast
Notes:
This is distinguishable by its white flowers and crystalline, salt-encrusted leaves. This is sometimes thought to be a native species, but like most other iceplants it is from South Africa.
New Zealand Spinach – Tetragonia tetragonioides
Blooms:
Apr–Sept
Plant Height:
Spreading, 30+ cm
Flower Size:
Very small
Origin:
Australasia
Invasive?
Yes – limited
Habitat:
Beaches & salt marshes
Notes:
