Carpobrotus rossii
Species of plant
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Carpobrotus rossii (formerly Mesembryanthemum rossii) is a succulent coastal groundcover plant of the family Aizoaceae. Native to southern Australia, it is known by various common names, including karkalla, pig face, sea fig[2] and beach bananas.[3]
| Carpobrotus rossii | |
|---|---|
| |
| Flower, Cape Raoul, Tasman Peninsula, Tasmania, Australia | |
Scientific classification  | |
| Kingdom: | Plantae |
| Clade: | Tracheophytes |
| Clade: | Angiosperms |
| Clade: | Eudicots |
| Order: | Caryophyllales |
| Family: | Aizoaceae |
| Subfamily: | Ruschioideae |
| Tribe: | Ruschieae |
| Genus: | Carpobrotus |
| Species: | C. rossii |
| Binomial name | |
| Carpobrotus rossii | |
| Synonyms[1] | |
| |
C. rossii can be confused with rounded noon-flower Disphyma crassifolium subsp. clavellatum, which has also been erroneously called "karkalla" and "beach bananas" in the Australian native food trade.[4]
Description
Karkalla leaves are succulent, 3.5–10 centimetres (1.4–3.9 inches) long and 1 cm (0.4 in) wide, and curved or rarely straight.[5] The flowers bloom from August through October,[6] are light purple, and are 6 cm (2.4 in) wide. The globular purplish red fruit is about 2.5 cm (1 in) long and 1.5 cm (0.6 in) wide.[5]
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Distribution and habitat
The species occurs in the states of Western Australia, South Australia, Tasmania and Victoria.[6] It can be found year-round in large patches covering sand dunes close to the ocean, due to its hardy nature and salt resistance.[7]
Conservation
Carpobrotus rossii is common on southern Australian coastal sand dunes and is not considered to be at risk.[8]
Uses
Aboriginal people eat the fruit traditionally, fresh and dried. The salty leaves have been eaten with meat.
Extracts of the plant have significant in vitro antioxidant, antiplatelet, and anti-inflammatory activity.[9]