The Coastal Pigface is an indigenous plant that has many uses. It is a succulent and doesn’t require much attention.
The Coastal Pigface is a green succulent plant that has no spikes or prickles. It has bright, vibrant flowers that come in sweet shades of pink, purple, orange, yellow and white. Another unique feature of this plant is its thick, fleshy foliage that is triangular in shape.
The indigenous people of this area used the Pigface like aloe vera to help soothe stings and burns. It is also edible, and the leaves taste like salty cucumber and zucchini. Indigenous people like to eat the plant fresh, dry, raw and cooked.
The Aboriginal name for the Coastal Pigface is Bain, while the scientific name is carpobrotus. The word carpobrotus comes from the Greek words karpos meaning fruit and brota meaning edible. Although there are six species of this plant native to Australia, the Coastal Pigface is also native to South America, South Africa and California. Some other names for the Coastal Pigface are Karkalla, the Sea Fig and Beach Bananas.
Overall, this interesting plant has many uses as well as an outstanding appearance.
Reported and Compiled by Evelyn W
*Sources:
South East Regional Centre for Urban Landcare: website
Better Homes and Gardens: website
Government of South Australia – Department for Environment and Water: website
Garden Express: website
Weber, L. C. 2023 Rare and Threatened Plants of South Eastern Queensland
Kueper, R. & Pickering, C. 2023 Native Plants for Indoors and Small Gardens in South East Queensland. Griffith University
