About Carpobrotus mellei (L.Bolus) L.Bolus
Carpobrotus mellei (L.Bolus) L.Bolus typically has glaucous green leaves, which sometimes turn reddish along their edges or angles. The leaves are relatively straight, with most curvature occurring at the apex. The apex often features a serrated, reddish keel and a mucro. Leaves are also somewhat flattened laterally, which gives them an isosceles triangle shape in cross-section. Its flowers are usually pale pink or purple. The stigmas are very long, and in places extend up above the stamens. The center of the top of the ovary is raised, and the receptacle is barrel-shaped to turbiniform. Carpobrotus, commonly called sour-fig, species are generally coastal plants. Of the seven Carpobrotus species native to South Africa, this is the only one that naturally occurs inland in mountain fynbos. Its natural habitat is fynbos vegetation in the Western Cape's mountain ranges, specifically the Hottentots Holland, Langeberg, and Swartberg mountains. Its edible fruits are grazed by tortoises and other southern African animals.
