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Carpobrotus virescens

Found growing along the rocky headland of Yallingup only meters from the pounding surf.

An edible bushfood. The red purple fruit has a flavour described by some as like salty apples.

Its thick fleshy leaves can be eaten raw or cooked and the juice from the leaves used to soothe stings or burnt skin. The juice from the leaves can be mixed with water and used as a gargle for sore throats and mild bacterial infections of the mouth. The fruit has a mild laxative effect.

The prostrate, creeping succulent is one of about 20 species of the genus Carpobrotus, most of which are native to South Africa. Six are indigenous to Australia.

 

Coastal Pigface

Family: AIZOACEAE

Genus: Carpobrotus

Species: virescens

Origin: Busselton and Surrounds

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Uploaded on September 12, 2022
Taken on September 8, 2022