Carpobrotus commonly known as Hottentot Fig, Sour Fig, Horse Fig, Creeping Fig, Pigface or Ice plants is a genus of ground-creeping mesembs, with succulent leaves and large daisy-like flowers. The genus name refers to the edible fruits. It comes from the Greek “karpos” (fruit) and “brota” (edible). The Carpobrotus genus is placed in the Aizoaceae family. Carpobrotus species are often used for groundcover due to its fast growth, ground hugging characteristics, and resistance to fire. Carpobrotus are also drought resistant. Carpobrotus species are also used medicinally. Carpobrotus juice, from the leaves, can be used as a mild astringent. When mixed with water the juice can be used to treat diarrhoea, dysentery and stomach cramps. It can also be used as a gargle for sore throat and laryngitis, and mild bacterial infections of the mouth. The leaf juice can also be used externally, much like Aloe vera for burns, abrasions, open cuts, grazes, mosquito bites and sunburn. It is also used to treat ringworm, eczema, dermatitis, herpes, thrush, cold sores, cracked lips, chafing, skin conditions and allergies. An ancient remedy for constipation is to eat the fruit with brackish water. Syrup made from the fruit is said to have laxative properties. A mixture of leaf juice, honey and olive oil in water is an old remedy for TB. Suurvy Jam is also made from the fruit of this genus. Seed can be sown in spring, early summer or autumn. Carpobrotus species are well suited to water-wise gardens.

Carpobrotus edulis is an easy-to-grow succulent groundcover, ideal for low-maintenance and water-wise gardens. It is also a useful first-aid plant with edible fruits for the herb or kitchen garden. Carpobrotus edulis grows on coastal and inland slopes from Namaqualand in the Northern Cape through the Western Cape to the Eastern Cape. It is often seen as a pioneer in disturbed sites. The sour fig is frequently cultivated as a sand binder, groundcover, dune and embankment stabilizer, and fire-resistant barrier and also a superb water-wise plant.